Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
If you are interested in exploring overnight camp options but are a little hesitant about your children being ready for a camp like this, then this article might help.
You know your child best, so you’ll know if they’re ready, but if they tick off all the following boxes, then that might help your assessment of their readiness for the next step in summer camp adventures.
They Have Had Successful Sleepovers Away From Home
One way for you to know if your child is ready for an overnight camp is to see how they’ve done spending the night away from home. Have they slept over at a friend’s house and had a great time? Or did they call you to come to pick them up at 3 am? If you received that panicked call in the middle of the night, then they might not be quite ready just yet.
Â
However, if they had no problems and are asking more and more to sleepover at friends’ houses, then they’re probably ready in part for sleepaway camp.
They Don’t Shy Away from New, Uncomfortable Situations
Another way to see if your child is ready is if they’re able to navigate new social situations that they’ve never been in before. Are they able to settle in? Make friends? If so, then it sounds like they should be able to handle overnight camp.
Â
Luckily, there will always be counselors, resources, and ways to stay in touch but your child should be comfortable making friends and getting involved in activities without much guidance.
They Can Take Care of Their Personal Hygiene
A very good way to know if your child is ready for overnight camp is if they’re able to take care of their hygiene by themselves. Are they able to shower on their own? Brush their teeth without too much hounding? Keep clothes and a bunk neat and tidy?
Â
If there’s not much nagging going on, then it sounds like your child is probably ready to adhere to hygiene by themselves and can follow camp directions easily. It might even help these skills improve when they return home.
They WANT to go to Overnight Camp
Lastly, what’s most important is if they’ve expressed interest in an overnight camp. Are their friends headed to an overnight camp and they want to attempt it? If so, then if they check the rest of the boxes above, they might be ready.
Â
However, if they’re still struggling in social situations, have trouble during sleepovers, or are not able to take care of their personal hygiene, then it might be best to have a discussion with them about their readiness.
If They’re Ready, Find The Right Overnight Camp For Them!
If you believe your child might be ready for a sleepaway camp, then the next thing you need to do is find a camp that is best for them.
Â
That’s where Lark Guide can help! From
STEM Camps to Sports Camps or Fine Arts Camps and anything else you can think of, take some time to explore the site and find the camp that fits your child’s interests best.
STEM Camps to Sports Camps or Fine Arts Camps and anything else you can think of, take some time to explore the site and find the camp that fits your child’s interests best.
Â
Â