Taking the Plunge

For first-time camp families, involving their children in the decision-making process will go a long way in preparing everyone for that first day of camp.

by Dr. Christopher Thurber



For most children, the friendships they make and the experiences they have at camp will last forever. For many parents, particularly those not familiar with camp and who have never sent their children to one, camp is a mystery. A place that conjures up many questions, sparks fears of the unknown and introduces a great number of parental anxieties.

     For first-time camp families, here is a letter, as it would be written by a child wanting to go to camp for the very first time, explaining his or her desire to experience camp and all of the benefits it has to offer, as well how best to pick the most appropriate camp for them.

Dear Mom and Dad,
I’m writing you this letter in November because I know that now is the time to start preparing for camp. I know the snow is about to fall, the days are terribly short and winter vacation — not summer vacation — is what’s on everyone’s mind. But wise parents (that’s you guys!) know that getting a jump-start on the upcoming summer will help me have the most fun possible. This is why I want to talk to you about me going to camp for the very first time.

     First, let me help you choose the camp. I know that you have the final say, but if I get to be part of choosing where to go, when to go and how long to stay, then I’m much more likely to feel ownership over this whole experience. By the way, thanks for paying for me to go to camp! If money’s a little tight, you should ask the camp director about subsidies.     
     Second, because camp is new to all of us, please arrange some practice time away from home for me. You’d be surprised at how much it helps to spend some overnights at friends’ houses or maybe a weekend with grandma and grandpa. Let’s face it, Mom and Dad, I haven’t spent much time away from home and the best way to prevent homesickness is to get a little experience.

     Speaking of homesickness, you can stop worrying. Homesickness is normal. Everyone misses something about home when they’re away. It means there’s something about home I love, and that’s a wonderful thing! Of course I’ll miss you guys, but I don’t think homesickness is going to bother me much. I’ll learn how to cope just fine. It’s the two of you that I’m worried about. What will you do with all that extra time? I guess you should plan now how you’ll spend your well-deserved break from full-time parenthood.

     Once we’ve found a camp that matches my interests and abilities, you should ask the camp director for the names and numbers of some returning camper families who live near us. Then we can schedule a play date and I can talk with some kids who have already been to that camp. What better way to get the real scoop on what to expect? Of course, the more I know what to expect, the more comfortable I’ll be come the first day of camp.

     Speaking of the first day of camp, don’t be surprised if you don't hear from me much after that. At most camps, cell phones are not allowed and campers don’t have access to computers; so if you want any mail from me, please send me to camp with pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelopes. I’ll also help you shop, pack and prepare — instead of having you do it all for me — because like I said, I need to feel part of this experience. And if you write to me, I promise to write back.

     By the way, as the first day of camp approaches, I might start to get cold feet. It is normal for you guys to feel a bit nervous too, but whatever you do, please don’t offer me a “pick-up deal.” If you tell me that you’ll come to get me if I feel homesick, I will probably feel homesick and won’t be able to think of anything else except your promise to come get me. So instead of a “pick-up deal,” just give me a big hug, a smile and tell me that you know I can do it! Don’t forget, the staff at camp is trained to help me with anything that might bother me.

     I know that when camp is over I’ll be sad to leave, but what a great time I will have had. I will have made new friends, learned new skills and savoured all kinds of new adventures. In fact, with my newfound sense of independence and self-confidence, I’ll be ready to take on any new challenge. And of course, I’ll also be ready to return to camp next summer! Yours truly, “Your Child.”



     Dr. Christopher Thurber (www.CampSpirit.com) is a clinical psychologist and a longtime camper and camp staff member. He is also the co-author of The Summer Camp Handbook, a book designed to help new campers and their families