Tips for Surviving Your Child’s First Summer at Sleepaway Camp

While we know that children can often experience homesickness or anxiety when having to be away from their families for an extended amount of time, it’s not uncommon for parents to also get a touch of the separation blues as well. To avoid being down and out when your child leaves for summer camp, here are some tips for surviving their first stint at sleepaway camp:

Help them choose the camp: While it is important to have your child’s input on the decision making process, don’t be afraid to put in your two cents as well. Helping decide on where they will spending their summer will help ease your fears and make you feel more comfortable with them being so far away from home.

Don’t sweat the small stuff: Once they are there, trust and believe that they are in good, nurturing hands. If you notice that they get a little more sun than usual or have lost some weight, don’t get upset! Summer camp is a time for kids to cut loose and break away from the stresses of daily life. They will be running around outside for up to 8 hours a day, and enjoying fun outdoor activities. Things will return back to normal once they return home, so let them enjoy this time and try not to stress!

Ask the right questions: To help ease any apprehension you might have, communicate with your child any concerns you may be having. Ask them if they are feeling lonely or nervous, and talk through it together. You’ll feel much more confident with their decision to go away if you have these open discussions. Don’t be afraid to turn to the counselors for any additional questions or issues to help you get a better understanding of all that is going on.

Sleepaway camp isn’t just a great way for a kid to take some safe space and gain independence, it’s that for a parent as well. And just remember, you will survive.

At Camp Tioga, all parents can ease their fears because their children are in good hands. We create the most nurturing, comforting environment possible and will do everything in their power to make each camper and their parents  feel confident in their decision to come here. To learn more about all that Camp Tioga has to offer, give us a call at 570.756.2660 or visit us on Facebook.