Is Your Child Ready for Camp?
Summer camps can be a valuable chance for kids to learn during their developmental stages, such as improving their creativity, social, and problem-solving skills. However, not all children are ready for this big step. Here’s what you need to know to determine if summer camp would be a good fit for them:
Social Readiness
Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes, from bustling environments with large groups of kids to smaller, more close-knit programs. When selecting a camp, think about your child’s personality and comfort level in social settings. Are they outgoing and eager to make new friends in their community, or do they tend to be more reserved and cautious in new situations?
- Larger Camps: Children who thrive on activity and social interaction often enjoy the energy and variety of a larger group setting. However, for more introverted or anxious kids, the same environment might feel overwhelming and leave them feeling out of place.
- Smaller Camps: Quieter children may benefit from smaller groups where they receive more personalized attention from counsellors and experience a calmer, more predictable routine. On the flip side, highly energetic or extroverted kids might feel bored in a slower-paced environment, which could lead to restlessness or acting out.
Understanding your child’s social needs can help you choose a camp where they’ll feel both comfortable and engaged.
Previous Experiences
Consider your child’s past experiences—whether they’ve attended daycare or preschool, or even just spent a night at a grandparent’s house. How did they react in those settings? Were they comfortable and independent, or did they become anxious and cling to you? These moments can offer valuable clues about the camp environment they’ll enjoy, or whether they will enjoy attending at all.
Parental Readiness
Even if you’re confident your child is ready for camp, it’s just as important to check in with yourself. How do you feel about this next step? Does the thought of sending your child off to summer camp make you anxious? Are you emotionally prepared for this new milestone? It’s completely natural to feel nervous, especially if your child has special needs or tends to be particularly attached to you. Choosing the right camp can make all the difference. A supportive, well-matched environment can ease your worries while offering your child a safe and rewarding experience that encourages growth and independence.
Types of Camps for Young Children
Summer camps, while educational and engaging, are meant to be fun for kids. When reviewing options, consider your child’s interests, energy levels, and, of course, your schedule.
- Daytime Camps. These camps typically last a full school day, from 8 or 9 a.m. to the late afternoon. They are ideal if you are working full-time and your child benefits from this kind of routine. Ensure you verify whether your child will need to bring snacks and lunch, or if meals will be provided.
- Half-Day Camps. If your little one seems tentative about summer camp, or you have the flexibility to spend more time with them in the summer, half-day camps are a great choice. It removes the pressure and potentially overwhelming feeling of a full day commitment from your child, while also ensuring they get to learn, explore, and enjoy new things.
- Themed Camps: If your child has a passion for a specific sport or hobby, themed camps are a wonderful way to nurture that interest while helping them build new skills. With so many unique options available, choosing the right camp can significantly shape their summer experience. Camps offer the perfect chance for kids to step out of their routine, try something new, and dive deeper into the things they already love.
Whether it’s belting out their favourite songs at a singing camp and performing in a show, or kicking off their first match at a soccer camp, these moments can spark personal growth and create memories that last far beyond the summer.
Once you narrow down a list of three to five camps, chat with your little one. Frame it as a positive experience, and weigh the pros and cons of each together. If they are involved in the process of selecting the camp, they’re more likely to be excited about going.
Key Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Camp
If you’ve never sent your child to camp before, it’s common to have plenty of questions and concerns about their potential experience. Take the time to look at these key factors before deciding where they’ll spend their summers.
1. Safety and Supervision
Your child’s safety is at the top of your mind, wherever you send them. When evaluating summer camps, ask questions such as:
- How many staff are available at a given time?
- What are their qualifications?
- Are staff trained in CPR and first aid?
- What are the emergency procedures in place?
2. Daily Structure and Activities
Knowing how your child will spend their time at camp is important for them, but also for you. This way, you can plan accordingly to address their needs, whether there’s a field trip or a break from routine.
- Inquire as to how the camp handles discipline, conflicts, or homesickness.
- Verify if the camp can accommodate children with special needs or dietary restrictions.
- Learn how much time will be allocated for play, projects, and rest.
- Determine how much time kids will be spending outdoors and inside.
3. Logistics and Practical Considerations
Safety and fun quickly become the most important elements as you explore camp options. However, don’t overlook practical aspects that will impact you as the parent:
- Location: Choose a camp that’s conveniently located near home. Check if transportation options are available to make pick-up and drop-off easier.
- Pricing: Find a camp that fits your budget. Look for available discounts such as early-bird registration, sibling deals, or referral bonuses.
- Essentials: Confirm what your child needs to bring each day—items like sunscreen, a water bottle, and a change of clothes are often required.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself) for Camp
1. Visit the Camp Ahead of Time. If possible, contact the camp to arrange a visit and meet some of the staff. Getting a feel for the environment can ease uncertainty and help your child picture what their days will look like. Keep in mind that many camps don’t finalize their staff until closer to the start date, but it’s still a good idea to call and ask about visiting options.
2. Talk About Camp in a Positive Light. Help your child build excitement by discussing all the fun things they’ll get to do—from games and crafts to making new friends. Framing camp as an adventure will help them look forward to it instead of fearing the unknown.
3. Practice Short Separations. If your child is anxious about being away from you, try easing them into it. Arrange short visits with trusted family members or friends. These low-pressure experiences can build their confidence and independence in a gentle way.
4. Prepare and Label Belongings. Make sure your child is comfortable with basic self-care tasks, such as using the bathroom, opening snack or lunch containers, and speaking up when they need something. Labelling their belongings can also help prevent mix-ups and support their growing sense of independence.
5. Manage Your Own Emotions. It’s natural to feel a bit anxious, too. Reassure yourself by learning about the camp’s routines and communicating with staff if you have questions. Camps are there to support both you and your child—don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sending your child to their first summer camp is a big milestone for them, and for you! While feeling nervous is normal, remember that the right camp can be an incredible opportunity for your child to grow, make new friends, and gain confidence in a fun, supportive environment. By considering their readiness, choosing a camp that aligns with their interests, and preparing them (and yourself) for the experience, you’re setting them up for success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim D’Angelo is the Recreation Coordinator at the Accora Village Recreation Centre located in Ottawa’s west end. As both a recreation professional and a mom to three, Kim has experienced firsthand the value that summer camps bring to children.
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