Many directors encourage their campers to write home regularly to their parents, brothers and sisters.
Do:
- Give your child pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelopes or postcards.
- Send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives.
- Check with the camp about items for special activities, such as boots for riding, backpacks for hikes, etc.
- Ask about extra costs and what money your child should bring.
- Make sure you’ve met all advance health requirements; health history forms, doctor’s exam (if required), medications listed on records and sent in original containers.
Don’t
- Worry. Your natural reaction is to call on the first day to see how your camper is doing. Remember counselors are trained to recognize and deal with symptoms of homesickness.
- Mention how much you miss your children – it can add to their level of homesickness.
- Go in to great detail about the fun things you’re doing while your child is away at camp – they might feel “left out.”
Leave It at Home
Use common sense and think about the activities that will take place at camp and pack accordingly. Don’t hesitate to call and ask the camp.
Don’t pack:
- Radios, CD players, stereos
- Televisions
- Cellular phones or pagers
- Food
- Hunting knives
- Fireworks of any kind
- Expensive items of any kind
- Large sums of money
For more information on camps and summer experiences for your child, visit the American Camping Association online at www.aca-camps.org.
