Summer Camp
Well, this was a rude awakening - and boy, did I learn a lot. Summer camp is a whole other beast and with a first time camper this year, there was a lot to figure out and navigate.
Before I forget everything, I thought I would share all that I learned - and create a space for other parents to share their experiences too.
The funny thing about the parent community is that parents love to share, and if someone has the inside scoop on what you are about to do, take it - and all the other things they are willing to share.
Alright, here is my list of things I learned this year as a mom with a first-time camper:
Start Early - I didn’t realize this until I learned it the hard way, but summer camp enrolment starts in the winter. As soon as school starts, I would slowly begin research, finding important dates (i.e. some camps have a registration day, and it literally fills up on that day) and learning what the best camps are for your kids. With camp registration, you need to be prepared and act fast!
Ask Around - the best way to learn the inside scoop on local camps is to ask fellow parents, and not necessarily parents in your class, but parents with older kids. I casually started asking parents with kids of all ages, and you really do start seeing a consensus amongst parents of the best camps.
Search Online - in addition to asking around, I searched online for camps in my local area. You’ll find traditional camps run by the City, YMCA, private schools, country clubs - and you’ll also find those cool little camps put on by smaller groups and organizations like Lego Camp, Cooking Camp, Art School, Adventure Camp, the list goes on. I would try a variety to get a sense of the camp your child enjoys most.
Band Together - I only learned this after the fact, but when your child has a friend in the camp, it makes a big difference. Your child will feel that much more relaxed and excited in a new environment that may otherwise be scary to them.
Camp is not the same as school - the camp scene is very different than the school scene. With school, kids build relationships with teachers, friends and even routines. Camp is all of sudden different. There are new faces to get used to, and often change from week to week. Its more transient, and by the time your camper gets used to it, they may have to start over again the following week.
Get to know the camp leaders - it was important to me to build relationships with the camp leaders, and so I would spend a few minutes chatting with them at drop-off and pick-up. In doing this, I was able to build strong communication with them and understand how my kid was doing. I also believe that when you invest in someone, they invest in you!
Not all camp programs are right for your kid - this year we tried a few different camps, and there were definitely ones that worked for my camper and ones that didn’t. It’s not the end of the world if it’s not a fit, I would just push through it and then know for next year what camps to return to. And by the way, not all camps have a structured schedule, so you just have to learn the format that works best for your child.
It’s a process - I definitely don’t think I nailed camp this year. I found my child didn’t like it more than he liked it, and I think next year I would definitely take my own advice by starting really early, banding together with friends and enrolling in the camps that are exciting to them.
Take breaks - this summer, I only scheduled my child in camp for half the time. The other time was spent on vacation, with family members, a sitter and ME! I feel strongly that summer is a chance to take time away from work and get in those special moments and adventures with your kids.
Have fun - camp should be fun, and a good way for your child to meet new people, have new experiences and learn new skills they wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise.
Alright, that’s it!! I’m making a summer camp checklist for next year. Would you be interested?
What’s your top tip for summer camp? I’d love to know! Tell me in the comments below.
👋🏻 Hi, I’m Lindsay – a best-selling author, artist, blogger and creative mama. Follow along every week as I share fun and creative ideas for your family and home, and check out my blog – link in bio!