5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Sleep-Away Camp by Jennifer Kelman
As the winter begins to wrap up and we all look forward to the dog days of summer, some decisions need to be made. Some parents are not sure about when it is the right time to send their children to sleep-away camp. I don’t believe that there is an exact age that is the “right” age; it is more about the readiness that your child exhibits that lets you know she can handle being away from home.
Here are 5 signs your child may be ready for sleep-away camp:
1. Your child begin expresses an interest in going to camp.
This is an easy sign that lets you know your child is ready. As your child develops peer relationships in school and begins spending more time with her friends away from you, she may verbalize her desire to go to camp.
2. Your child is able to spend longer periods away from you without being upset.
Your young child might express a desire to have a sleepover with a friend; but once the child is at the friend’s home, she may become anxious and want to come home. If this is the case, wait until your child can have sleepovers without being upset or returning home.
3. Your child gets along well with her peers.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but if your child is displaying any behavioral problems at home or school, most likely these will follow her to camp, Your child needs to be able to get along with others, as this is a major part of her growth at camp.
4. Your child is able to follow directions from leaders.
There are so many wonderful things that your child will learn at camp. Being able to follow directions and respect the counselors and group leaders is a necessary skill in order to be away from home. Often, kids who are away from their parents may think they have free reign to do and say whatever they please, so it is important to discuss this aspect with your child and make sure she is capable of handling it while she is away from your watchful eye.
5. Your child is asking to attend the type of camp that fits her needs.
It is possible to have your child be ready for camp but choose the wrong type of camp. Some camps emphasize sports and others theater or science. It is crucial that you don’t place your child in an athletic camp if her desires and talents are in other areas. Your child will more than likely feel out of place, and this can be a set-up for failure.
Figuring out the right time for your child to attend sleep-away camp may be tricky, but paying attention to the signs she is ready may help make the process a bit easier. Do not push a child to go before she is ready. Even if your child expresses the interest to go to camp, it is still possible that she may get home-sick as she acclimates to her new environment. Just remember this is normal and should pass as she becomes entrenched in camp life, which is a rewarding and growth-producing experience.
Would you add any more signs that your child is ready?
Jennifer Kelman has a BA in Sociology from American University and a Masters in Social Work from New York University and has worked with children in a variety of psychiatric and medical settings. She is the creator of Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, who inspires self-esteem in children through her love, warmth and silliness and author of the new award-winning children's book, Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
