 
Helping Your Child Cope at Camp
Following are some coping tips from the American
Camping Association to consider before your child leaves for camp:
- If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so
that your child will be familiar with the cabins and other
general surroundings.
- Consider arranging for a first-time camper to
attend with a close friend, relative or camp
"buddy."
- Do not tell your child that you will
"rescue" him/her from camp if he/she doesn't like
it.
- Discuss what camp will be like well before
your child leaves, acknowledging feelings; consider
role-playing anticipated camp situations, such as using a
flashlight to find the bathroom.
- Send a letter to your child before camp
begins so it will be there for his/her arrival.
- Allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed
animal and/or picture so that your child will have a reminder
of home.
If adjustment problems (like homesickness) do
occur while your child is at camp:
- Talk candidly with the camp director to
obtain his/her perception of your child's adjustment.
- Resist the temptation to "rescue"
your son or daughter from this experience.
- Acknowledge your child's feelings and
communicate your love. You might say, "If you still feel
this way in two days, we'll discuss what we can do."
- Support your child's efforts to work out the
problems with the help of the camp staff.
- Remind him/her, if necessary, that he/she has
made a commitment.
Trust your instincts: The occasional child who
is truly not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to
return home after a reasonable amount of time and effort.
For more information, visit the American Camping
Association, online at www.ACAcamps.org.
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