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The
Five Best Preps for a First-Time Camp
Experience that Every Parent Should
Know
MARTINSVILLE, IN (April 17, 2007) – Sending
a child away to camp for the first time
is a major milestone for most families,
one that is often marked by excitement,
anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety. However,
when children are taking positive risks
in a safe and nurturing camp environment,
they have little time to miss home and
a lot of time dedicated to fun, growing,
and learning.
Prepare your child for the time of his
or her life with the following tips from
camp professionals and child development
experts:
- Talk to your child before camp. "What
does your child expect to do at camp?
Learning about the camp experience ahead
of time allows you to create positive
expectations. Also, talking with
your child about these kinds of issues
is a great way to show support as your
child gets ready to take this important
step on the road to being more resilient
and self-reliant. For you as a parent,
it can give you more peace of mind as
you allow your child to participate safely
in a broader world."
– Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
- Prepare children for issues that
come up so they know what to do in
your absence. "Share with
your child that everyone has good days
and bad days, and if they are having
a problem, their counselor is there
to help them. Make sure they understand
that if the counselor doesn't know
what might be troubling them, he/she
can't help. Ask your child to be honest
and to ask for what they need."
– Bob Ditter, family therapist
- Practice, practice, practice! "Encourage
your child's independence throughout
the year. Practice separations, such
as sleepovers at a friend's or grandma's
house, which can simulate the camp environment."
– Peg L. Smith, ACA CEO
- Making new friends at camp. "If
your child is shy about meeting new kids,
encourage them to get to know others
by being a good listener. Also, remind
them that not everyone in the cabin,
bunk, or group has to be their friend,
and they don't have to be everyone else's
friend, as long as they treat one another
with respect."
– Bob Ditter, family therapist
- Homesickness can be prevented. "Tell
your child that some feelings of homesickness
are normal! When children arrive
at camp with a repertoire of coping strategies
and some practice time away from home
under their belts, they are ready for
those normal feelings of homesickness. Keep
in mind that only seven percent of homesickness
cases are severe."
– Ann Sheets, ACA President
To schedule an interview with an ACA spokesperson
or for general information on preparing
for camp, including what to pack as well
as what to say to your child, contact Allison
MacMunn at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org.
For public service announcements available
for customization, and article reprints,
including articles about camp preparation,
visit our Media
Center.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Public Relations, American Camp Association
765-349-3317; 765-342-8456, ext. 317
pr@ACAcamps.org
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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