10 Strategies for Navigating Your Child’s First Summer at Sleepaway Camp

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The paperwork is finalized, the payment is processed, and there’s no turning back. As panic, fear, and anxiety set in, the reality dawns: your child is heading off to sleepaway camp. This experience can be a pivotal moment in their development, but it’s also a significant transition for parents. The first summer—and the months leading up to it—can be particularly challenging. Children gain independence and responsibility, learning to solve their own problems without parental intervention.

As an example, my child, Oliver, was all set for his first camp experience last year. However, I found it much more difficult to let go than he did. After years of focusing on my children, sending off my firstborn felt like a small case of “empty-nest syndrome.”

When departure day finally arrived, Oliver showed signs of apprehension: “I don’t know if I can get on the bus.” My instincts screamed for him to stay home, but I reassured him that other kids felt the same way and that he would adapt. With a wave goodbye, he boarded the bus, leaving me to cope by treating my younger child to a movie while I suppressed my tears.

For the next two weeks, I incessantly refreshed my computer, eagerly searching for camp photos, analyzing every image for signs of joy or distress. I eagerly awaited letters from him, and I won’t deny that tears often accompanied his correspondence. By the end of the summer, we all emerged changed, with Oliver having grown in ways I could not have anticipated.

If you’re preparing for a similar journey, here are ten essential strategies to ease the transition for both you and your child.

Before Camp Starts…

1. Choosing the Right Camp: The variety of camps can be overwhelming—co-ed, single-sex, local, or far away. A wise camp director once said, “At the end of the day, they’re all just cabins in the woods.” Determine your top priorities, visit a few options, and trust your instincts.
2. Connect with Peers: Try to establish contact with another camper from your area before camp begins. This familiarity can help ease anxiety and provide insider tips that official guides might not cover.
3. Stick to the Essentials List: Follow the camp’s recommended packing list closely and refrain from buying unnecessary items. Use well-loved clothes and label everything to avoid loss. However, if there’s a trendy item every kid will have—like last year’s popular socks—consider including that.

During Camp…

4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Camp staff will ensure basic care is taken, including hygiene and sun protection. Your child may come home a bit messier than you’d like, but everything can be cleaned.
5. Trust Their Appetite: Kids will likely lose weight due to their active lifestyle at camp. If your child has special dietary needs, inform the camp director. Otherwise, don’t worry; they will regain weight upon returning home.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions on Visiting Day: Inquire about how they feel, their sleeping habits, and friendships without probing too deeply. Resist the urge to ask if they miss you; instead, trust their brief responses to gauge their well-being.
7. Limit Sugary Surprises: Before visiting, check the camp’s policy on treats. Bring your child’s favorites and a shared snack for the entire bunk, like a Cookie Cake, but avoid overwhelming them with sweets.
8. Avoid Inspections: Do not expect to find pristine living conditions. The cubbies and bathrooms will likely be chaotic. Embrace the mess as part of the experience.
9. Keep Goodbyes Short: When it’s time to leave, say your goodbyes quickly to minimize emotional distress for both you and your child. Lingering can make the separation harder.

After Camp…

10. Be Ready for Re-Entry: Some children may struggle with adjusting back home. Oliver returned as if he had never left, and after a day or two, I was ready to send him back again!

A month or so after camp, take the time to discuss his camp experience over dinner. The memories will still be fresh, and you can ask about what he enjoyed most—most importantly, whether he wants to go back next summer.

Sleepaway camp offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to gain independence, and it can do the same for parents. Remember, you will both emerge from this experience stronger and more resilient.

For additional insights, you can explore family-building options at Resolve or check out this post for more tips on navigating similar transitions.

Summary: Sending your child to sleepaway camp can be a significant adjustment for both the child and the parents. By employing practical strategies before, during, and after camp, you can help ensure a smoother transition while fostering independence in your child. Embrace this journey together, and remember that both of you can grow from the experience.