‘Tis the season for summer camp! The research, the calendar planning, the budgeting, and the filling in the holes are complete. Pat yourself on the back! Congratulations – you have done it! Now comes the hard part…making the summer camp drop-off a success. Here are my 5 tips to make the transitions a success and tear free.
1. Start talking about camp in a positive way. Weeks before a big transition, we start talking about the changes typically over the dinner table or in the car. The talks are always positive and exciting, as to not work my son into a panic and it’s usually very light and care free. However, it’s important to start talking about the new changes that are ahead to create an easier transition.
2. As camp draws near, I start to set expectations! About a week before camp, you start receiving emails from the Directors with so much information and that’s overwhelming for parents, not just kids. So after I digest that, I start talking about the fun activities, whether that’s crafts or sports, they have planned for the week. This is setting expectations. It allows my son to understand and know what to expect to calm any nerves he might have.
3. The night before I pack his backpack with everything that he is going to need. I then have him sit with me and go through everything in the backpack. This helps him understand all these items are his responsibility and makes him feel like a real big boy.
4. I find when I’m driving around, it’s the perfect time to talk to my son. We’re trapped! During the morning drive to camp I like to talk about what it looks like to be respectful to others and a good friend. I also like to remind him about introducing himself to others and remind him who he should to go to if he needs support. It’s just one last reminder minutes before we get out of the car.
5. Finally, as we get out of the car I like to talk through how I am going to sign him in and then I will say goodbye (just like at school) and will be back to pick him up. It’s good to let him know what I’m going to do so that it isn’t a surprise when I disappear.
It’s not easy as a parent to drop-off at camp, especially if it’s a new experience. Talking about it not only calms their fears, but it will also make you feel better knowing you’re both on the same page.
