Secrets To A Successful Camp Experience for Parents & Campers

1. Opening Day
   Before leaving your child make sure they are settled in, say good-bye once, and leave. The longer and more emotional your good-bye is, the harder it will be on both of you.
   



2. Check It Out
   We can’t wait to see you and your child here! If you would like to bring your little Camper to get a tour of our facilities simply call (506) 463-CAMP to arrange a visit. Also, should you or your child have any concerns about coming to Camp feel free to contact us.



3. When it comes to visits
   We do not encourage parental visits. It is natural to think that a visit will help your child, but children tend to get more homesick when their parents are coming and going often. Other children see moms and dads coming to visit and start to miss their own parents. We suggest that you do not tell your child that you will come to visit. They may spend most of their time thinking about and awaiting that visit. Even if your child can handle your visit, chances are seeing someone else’s parents coming will make other campers feel lonely.
   If you must visit the best time is in the morning, and the absolute worst time is in the evening as bed-time approaches. Parents must check in at the camp office upon arrival.



4. Calling home
   Your child probably won’t think about calling home. Campers are usually too busy playing games and having fun. If the thought of phoning home should arise, it is our policy to encourage the camper to focus on camp activities. We try to get their mind off home and back onto having fun at camp.
   Campers ARE permitted to call home if they are lonely. However, we ask that parents allow US to inform the camper of this. Almost every time a parent tells a child this fact, this is all the child can think about. Please do not plant the seed of homesickness by suggesting to your child that he/she may phone home; if done, the seed is sure to grow. The Camp Cabin Leaders are trained to deal with loneliness and homesickness. If problems persist then the Cabin Leader will bring the child to the office where he/she may phone home.



5. Talk about camp
   Walk through the summer brochure and talk with your child about all the fun he/she will have at camp. Ask your child what will be the most fun and what he/she would like to do first. Discuss as many of the camp activities as possible.



6. About "Survival Kits"
   Make sure your child has everything packed that he/she is going to require. Take into consideration the length of the camp session and pack accordingly. Remember to send sunscreen and bug repellent. Check your list...twice. It’s a good idea to use a larger bag or suitcase; your camper will find it a little easier to locate the item they’re looking for and to keep their belongings together in reasonable order.



7. Homesickness and Parents
   It is natural for moms and dads to actually want their children to miss them. You love your children, and they are your most valuable possession. As good parents, it is only normal to miss your child and secretly hope that they would miss you.
   As loving parents you will want to be careful to give your children space so that they may become socialized and have the opportunity to develop the important interpersonal skills that they will require for the rest of their lives.
   As part of life’s process children eventually need to be separated from their parents. First, the separation should be for a short period of time, and then as they age, for longer periods. This is part of the natural process called growing up.
   Parents come to pick up their children at the end of the week and sometimes appear almost disappointed when their child wants to stay at Camp. Parents are sometimes more homesick than their children.
   Hide your pride... be happy when your child is able to handle a week away from home.