Preparing a New Camper

CAMP KANUGA

Preparing a New Camper

For many new campers, being at camp is the child’s first time away from home. This can be a challenging and emotional experience since the child is away from their families, friends and familiar surroundings. Here are some recommendations about how to help your camper adjust to camp life.

Attend the new camper orientation at 2:35 p.m. or 3:35 p.m. on opening day. A director will be there to answer questions and give a tour.
Look over the brochure with them so they know what camp is like and what activities they will get to do.
Give them advice about how to make new friends.

Pack their swim suit and sheets separate from the rest of their luggage. This way you can set up the bed and your camper can take the swim test while their luggage is being delivered.
Never promise you will come to get them. For a homesick child, this is all they will think about and they might never even give the camp a chance.
Let the Counselor or Director know if you have any concerns.
Send all of your forms early so you do not have to spend opening day filling out paperwork.
Be encouraging. Focus on how much fun camp will be and how much they will learn about themselves.
For younger campers, it may also be necessary to teach your child how to make their bed, bathe themselves or make a sandwich because these are things that they will encounter but will not have a parent to do for them.

There are also several articles on the Internet to help parents prepare their campers. Here are a few that we recommend: