How to Prepare Your Child for Summer Camp
Great camp experiences don't happen by accident. This guide covers the emotional, practical, and physical preparation that sets your child up for success—from months before to the morning of drop-off.
📅3-6 Months Before Camp
Start the Conversation
Introduce the idea of camp casually. Look at photos together. Talk about what sounds fun. Let them ask questions without pressure. Gauge their genuine interest versus just agreeing to please you.
Practice Overnights
Arrange sleepovers with grandparents, trusted family, or friends. Start with one night and work up to two. The goal: comfortable sleeping away from home without calling to come back.
Research and Choose Camp
Involve your child in the selection process. Narrow options together. Let them have input—children who help choose feel more ownership and excitement.
Visit if Possible
Many camps offer open houses or tours in spring. Seeing the camp in person dramatically reduces drop-off anxiety. Take photos of cabins and facilities.
🎯4-8 Weeks Before Camp
Build Independence Skills
Practice the self-care skills they'll need: showering independently, making a bed, keeping track of belongings, managing personal hygiene. See our checklist below.
Talk About Camp Life
Discuss what a typical day looks like. Review the schedule together. Talk about activities they're excited for—and any they're nervous about.
Address Fears Directly
Ask what they're worried about. Don't dismiss fears—acknowledge them and problem-solve together. "What would you do if...?" scenarios help them feel prepared.
Complete Medical Forms
Schedule any required physicals. Complete health forms accurately and on time. Communicate any special needs or concerns to the camp in writing.
Start Shopping
Get the camp's official packing list. Shop for items together—let them pick some things. Label everything with their name.
✅Final 2 Weeks
Pack Together
Have your child participate in packing. They should know where everything is and feel ownership of their belongings. Do a trial pack, then refine.
Review Coping Strategies
Teach and practice: deep breathing, talking to a counselor, looking at family photos, thinking about fun activities. Write these on a card they can keep.
Write Pre-Dated Letters
Write letters in advance so mail arrives during their first days. Keep them upbeat and encouraging.
Plan the Homecoming
Create something to look forward to: a special meal, a fun outing, time to share stories. This gives them a positive focal point beyond camp ending.
Stay Positive
Your emotional tone matters enormously. Project excitement and confidence. Save your own anxieties for conversations with other adults.
👋Drop-Off Day
Do:
- ✓ Eat a good breakfast together
- ✓ Keep the morning calm and positive
- ✓ Help them settle into their cabin
- ✓ Meet their counselor and cabinmates
- ✓ Say a confident, brief goodbye
- ✓ Trust the process and leave
Don't:
- ✗ Cry in front of your child
- ✗ Make "rescue" promises
- ✗ Linger for repeated goodbyes
- ✗ Express your own anxiety
- ✗ Sneak away without saying bye
- ✗ Come back for "one more hug"
If They Cry:
Tears at drop-off are normal and don't predict how the session will go. Acknowledge their feelings briefly ("I know you're nervous. That's okay."), then express confidence ("You're going to have such a great time. I can't wait to hear about it.") and go. Counselors are trained for this moment.
📋Independence Skills Checklist
Practice these skills before camp. They don't need to be perfect, but familiarity builds confidence:
Personal Care
- □ Shower/bathe independently
- □ Wash and dry hair
- □ Brush teeth morning and night
- □ Apply sunscreen
- □ Get dressed appropriately for weather
- □ Basic first aid (bandaid for minor cuts)
Living Skills
- □ Make a bed (camp-style: functional, not perfect)
- □ Keep belongings organized
- □ Pack a bag for an outing
- □ Follow a schedule
- □ Clean up after themselves
Social Skills
- □ Introduce themselves to new people
- □ Ask an adult for help
- □ Express needs clearly ("I'm cold" "I need help")
- □ Handle minor conflicts without adult intervention
- □ Take turns and share
Emotional Skills
- □ Recognize and name emotions
- □ Use coping strategies when upset
- □ Fall asleep away from home
- □ Handle disappointment
- □ Try new things even when nervous
💬Conversations to Have
"What are you most excited about?"
Focus on anticipation and excitement. Let them daydream about the good parts.
"What are you nervous about?"
Normalize nervous feelings. Validate them, then problem-solve: "What could you do if that happens?"
"Who will you talk to if you need help?"
Counselors are there to help. Reinforce that asking for help is smart, not weak.
"Missing home is normal."
Preemptively normalize homesickness. It's not a sign of failure—it's a sign of love. And it passes.
"I'm proud of you for doing this."
Express confidence in their ability. Your belief in them becomes their belief in themselves.
The Bottom Line
Preparation is the difference between a child who struggles and a child who thrives. The weeks before camp matter as much as camp itself. Build skills, have conversations, practice separations, and above all—model confidence. Your child will rise to the occasion you believe they can handle.