By: Nikki Zenkel Grossman
For Camp Directors, the arrival of the New Year signals one thing: camp is just around the corner! While preparing for camp can feel overwhelming — shopping, packing, filling out forms, and getting both your child (and yourself) ready for time away from home—it doesn’t have to be. By starting early and seeking guidance from your Camp Director(s) and your fave camp advisors at Summer 365, the entire process can be made smooth and manageable.
Read the Parent Handbook
My first piece of advice to parents—new or returning—is to read the Parent Handbook. While it may be lengthy, it’s worth your time, especially to learn about updates or changes from the prior year. Camp Directors work hard to make the handbook clear and informative. It will answer most of your questions, help you stay on top of your preparations AND save you time and stress later on.
Review the Packing List
I’ve heard some parents say, “Packing for camp is like my Super Bowl”—they absolutely love it! Others dread filling 80-pound duffels weeks before camp begins. Regardless of whether you love or loathe the packing process, it’s best to stick to the list! Like the Parent Handbook, the Packing List is updated and streamlined every year. Camps curate their packing lists to include only necessary items. They do so to control costs and preserve precious cabin space by limiting extra “stuff” that can quickly become a burden. The process can be simple, especially at “uniform camps”. New campers order a “fit kit” from their camps clothing provider to ensure proper sizing. Once sizing is confirmed, the order is easily fulfilled online. Returning campers should check the fit of the past summer’s clothing and order what is needed.
One important packing rule: everything must be labeled—socks, underwear, cleats, shin guards, you name it, you label it! Many clothing providers offer sewn-in iron-on labeling. Label stickers also work for many items as do indelible markers.
Be sure to involve your child in the packing process. Let your child pick out the stationery to be used to write letters, the squishmallows or loveys they want to bring, and other personal items. This gets them excited for camp and gives them a sense of ownership and comfort when they arrive and settle in with the items they’ve chosen.
Complete Camp Forms On Time
Most camps send out forms after the New Year (check your inbox!). Medical, transportation, baggage, bunk request, and activity preference forms all must be completed. These enable us to care for and support every camper. Tackle the forms early! Schedule the physical, confirm travel plans and set aside a quiet morning to power through them. They are crucial for the Camp Directors, Medical, and Operations teams, and the sooner we receive them, the sooner we can address questions or concerns.
Speak with the Camp Director
Camp Directors spend much of the off-season visiting current and prospective campers, building familiarity and comfort before camp begins. These face-to-face interactions help your child connect with their “summer parents.” It also eases parental anxiety knowing that there’s a trusted person your child can turn to. If an in-person meeting isn’t possible, consider a Zoom call to ease pre-camp jitters. All of this helps to foster a sense of connection and trust before camp begins.
Connect with Other Campers
Soon after the New Year is a great time to start building enthusiasm for camp friendships. Many camps offer pen pal or “big sister/big brother” programs, which pair new and veteran campers. Each camp does things a little bit differently, but in most cases the veteran campers write letters, Facetime, and even organize in-person meetups. Many camps also host winter and spring meetups. These can range from casual gatherings at an ice cream shop to fun outings like bowling. These are wonderful opportunities for your child to meet and start forming friendships with other campers. Encourage your child to attend – these events will spark excitement and ensure there will be friendly faces on the first day of camp.
Prepare Your Child for Camp
The final step has arrived! You’ve read the handbook, reviewed the packing list, and started organizing your duffels. You’ve met other campers, staff, and parents. Now it’s time to focus on preparing your child for camp. This is the perfect opportunity to set achievable goals together that will boost their confidence.
For younger campers, especially those leaving home for the first time, let them practice simple tasks they’ll be responsible for at camp. Bedtime routines are a good place to start. Encourage your child to brush teeth and wash hair without your help (if they don’t do so already!). Teach them to make the bed and then let them do it by themself. With your support and encouragement, these small successes will build confidence.
As summer approaches, new emotions may surface, and your child may express nervousness or worry about camp. These feelings are completely normal. The best way to respond is to have open conversations in which you allow your child to express themselves and you offer support without trying to solve the problems for them. This will help your child build the independence they will rely on at camp.
We recommend all new camp families read Homesick and Happy by Michael Thompson. The book’s central message is that it’s okay for your child to feel homesick while still having fun – a powerful reminder that time away from parents can be crucial for personal growth. We send all new camp families a copy of this in early Spring and truly feel it’s a must read – and can be found easily on Amazon if you want to check it out.
In summary, it’s the New Year, here’s what you can do over the next few months to prepare for the BEST SUMMER EVER:
Prepare for camp together: Let your child help pack and choose what to bring to camp.
Start those camp forms early!
Help connect your child to the people that will be at camp with them including Head Staff so they feel at ease knowing they have someone to turn to.
Encourage your child to share their feelings, whether anxiety or excitement. Help them express themself and build independence.
There are less than 6 months until camp starts – get ready, because the fun has just begun!
About the contributor:
Nikki is one of the Directors of Point O’ Pines Camp, an all girls sleepaway camp in the spectacular Adirondack Mountains. At POP, Nikki oversees all aspects of Residential Life – making sure all campers and staff are happy, healthy and having fun! Nikki serves on the SCOPE Associate Board and is devoted to giving all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, access to summer camp. Nikki is passionate about developing youth and believes summer camp has a profound impact on children – allowing them to gain confidence, independence and resilience.