Is your child ready for overnight camp? That’s a question many parents are wondering around this time of year. Here are some tips from the American Camp Association and some input from our Facebook followers on what age is best to start sending kids to sleep-away camp.
The American Camp Association suggests asking yourself these questions to help determine if your child is ready for camp.
• What is your child’s age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home. Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.
• How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?
• Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult?
• What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.
• Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.
Click Next below to find out what age parents think is best for camp.
