Camps, Conferences, School and Community Programs inspiring Youth to Action
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Preparing Your Child For Camp

Here are a few simple steps parents and children can take together to prepare for a successful camp experience:

 

1.  Set some goals.
Talk together about the opportunities your child will have at camp.  What new activities would they like to try?  What would they like to work on?  Set one or two goals together and be sure to share them with the cabin leader so we can support your child with these goals.

 

2.  Talk with your child about how they feel.
Discuss what your child is most excited about and what makes him/her nervous.  Again this is great information to share with the cabin leader on the Camper Information Forms to help them make the first few days of camp easier.  As the first day of camp nears, some children experience uneasiness about going away. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings. Communicate confidence in your child’s ability to handle being away from home.

 

3.  Practice routines.
For younger campers, it helps to practice their morning and bedtime routines on their own so they can feel more prepared for those first few days at camp.

4.  Prepare for camp together.
Decisions about camp, like what to pack, should be a joint venture, keeping in mind your child’s maturity. If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of having a positive experience will improve.

5.  Write your camper a letter.
Mail takes a few days to travel, and the first couple of days of camp can be challenging for new campers.  It's even easier if you write the letters in advance and drop them off in the camp office after you register your child on Opening Day.

6.  Follow the Packing Lists.
Camps are very specific about what a camper will need in order to be physically healthy and prepared for the camp experience, and in what items should not come to camp.  Packing accordingly will set your child up for success.  Be sure to pack a few favorite "comfort" items to help your child feel more comfortable, like a favorite stuffed animal or pillow.  Envelopes with your home address already printed on them might help encourage a few letters home!

7.  Complete all forms and return them to camp prior to April 1st.
This not only helps the camp be better prepared for your arrival, but it also provides you with the opportunity to share any tips on helping your child succeed.  Talk with your child as you complete these forms.  If any changes or updates need to be made between the time you submit your forms and the arrival at camp, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

 

If you have questions about the Miniwanca camp experience,

 please contact Colleen Cronin at colleen.cronin@ayf.com

or via phone (231) 861-2262 ext. 1103.