- One of the best ways to prepare your child for camp is to pack for camp with him/her. Packing together provides an excellent opportunity to speak with your camper about what they can expect at camp and any fears or concerns they might have. As you pack specific items, you can also ask them what they’re excited about doing and accomplishing at camp and get them excited for their time away from home.
- It is often helpful to share your own positive experiences at summer camp and what you hope they will get to experience during their stay at Cedarkirk. Don’t be afraid to talk about anxieties you may have had from a similar experience when you were their age, but make sure to highlight all of the positive things that came from your adventure.
- It is important to let your child know that even though you will miss them, you are interested in what will be happening at camp and will be excited to hear about what he/she learns and experiences while they are away.
- Discuss things your child might miss from home (pets, bedtime routines, etc.). Acknowledge and respect the comforts they enjoy at home, but emphasize the new friendships they will make, the exciting adventures they will undertake, the crazy campfire songs and stories they’ll sing, and all the things they will learn.
- Talk about the length of their stay at camp in perspective to other positive overnight experiences they’ve had (i.e. spending a few nights at the house of a friend or grandparent; a vacation far from home; etc.).
- Pray with – and for – your camper in the days and weeks leading up to their time at camp. Guide them as they talk to God about the fun they’ll have at camp and ask to be opened to the spiritual, social, and physical growth that will take place.