How To: Summer Camps

How do you know if your child is ready for overnight summer camp? We asked Thomas Hobson, director of Child Life at Le Bonheur, to address some of parents' common concerns. Here's what he had to say:

What are some key indicators that show your child is ready for camp?

As children get older, there a certain signs you can use to determine if your child is ready for an overnight camp. Look at how your child has done staying at a grandparent's house for several nights or at sleepovers with friends. Try day camps first to see how well they handle the experience. Listen for phrases like "I wish it would last longer." If all else fails, ask your child. You might be surprised by her honesty.

How do you know if they are ready to sleep away from home?

Two big factors come to mind when thinking about children sleeping away from home: trust and safety. With a secure parent-child relationship, children will trust that their parent will come get them if something goes wrong. They should also feel safe where they are going. If you broach the topic of overnight camp, and your child begins to worry, know that it's a normal reaction. You can talk about all of the positives of the experience (i.e. the fun, exciting things they'll get to do). However, if your child shows strong worries, it may be better to wait.

What do I do if they get homesick?

It is completely normal for children to get homesick when away from home, and it can be tough on both the parents and the child. Most camps try to keep your little camper so busy that he or she barely has time to miss home. However, if you do get the homesick phone call, it is your chance to be strong. Listen to what your child is saying, and judge for yourself. If it sounds like a simple case of homesickness, ask him or her about all of the fun things they're doing, keeping it focused on the positives. Do not cave in. This is an opportunity for your children to develop a sense of independence. When the time comes for you pick them up, all they'll be able to talk about is all of the fun they had.

What are the benefits of summer camp?

There are numerous benefits to summer camp, and two jump out immediately. The first is the sense independence your child develops. This is an experience that is all their own, and it helps to realize that there are a lot of other things that they can do independently. The second is the sense of accomplishment they gain. It may be a new game or skill they learned, or cooking over a camp fire. The most important part is the feeling of accomplishment, and the pride that it brings.

What's a good age to start going to overnight camp?

All kids are different, so there's no perfect age. In my experience, around 6 or 7 years old are the best ages to give overnight camp a try. Check with various camps because many of them offer a shortened camp that lasts several days, instead of an entire week. This is a good opportunity for your child to get the experience and have something to look forward to the next summer.