Photo Courtesy of Word of Life
Preparing Your Kids for Camp This Summer
Are your kids heading to camp for the first time this summer? You’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness and your kids are likely feeling the same way. Here are 5 simple ways to prepare your kids for camp this summer.
- Pray
Pray with and for your kids that they would grow in their faith, meet new friends and have lots of fun during their time at camp. Share with them this verse to encourage them that God is with them when they are nervous and when they feel excited: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV). - Bring a friend
Think about asking a friend from your kid’s class, sports team, or youth group to join them for the week. Having a familiar face there when your kid gets to camp can help calm their nerves. If it’s too late to invite a friend to join, see if there are any other kids in your area going to camp at the same time. Have a pre-camp meet-up, pizza party or go for ice cream. But don’t worry if none of their friends are able to join. Their counselors and cabinmates will quickly become new friends! - Pack small reminders of home
Having a couple of family pictures or stuffed animals can be a good way for your kid to be comforted by reminders of home while they are away. - Process together
Ask your kid what they are excited about and what they are nervous about as they look forward to camp. This may help them realize the things they may be anxious about are reasonable but not unmanageable and that there’s far more to be excited about than to be nervous about. - Get excited!
Check out videos and pictures from your camp’s social media pages so your child knows what they can look forward to. Talk with your kid about why you want them to spend time at camp or what you loved about camp as a kid so that they have a vision for their time away.