By Jill Levin
We are constantly barraged with information about camps – from magazines and emails, to headline news and parents talking on the sidelines at little league. Sometimes it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. You will want to know what’s true and what’s not as you answer the all-important question, “What will I do with my kids next summer?” To help guide you, I’ve compiled a list of myths vs. facts about camps.
Myth: “Only I know what is best for my child.”
Fact: It is tempting for us (especially if we are former campers) to re-create our own camp experience for our child. While the saying “Mother knows best” is true in most circumstances, some input from your child is the best approach when choosing a camp. Involving the child in the camp research may produce unexpected results. Maybe you think an all boys’ camp is the best place for your son, but he may want the opportunity to make friends with girls in a relaxed setting. You may think your daughter wants to be at a camp that specializes in art and drama because that is what she enjoys, but maybe she wants to improve her tennis game this summer. Ask your child: do you want to build on your existing strengths and interests this summer or try something new? Be open to the unexpected!
Myth: “If I send my child to camp with a friend, it will make her more comfortable.”
Fact: What outwardly seems to provide a safety net has its pitfalls. A friend can sometimes act as a barrier to your child’s making new friends. All too often, one of the campers has a difficult time. The other child then feels responsible for the friend, which can be extremely burdensome. In addition, your child may choose his activities based upon his friends’ interests, rather than his own. It is important to weigh the comfort of going with a friend with the possible drawbacks. If going with a friend is the only way your child will try camp, it might be worth it. Just prepare your child with possible scenarios and provide him with the problem-solving strategies.
Myth: “A 1-week session is the best way to ease into an overnight camp experience.”
Fact: Sometimes it is the parent who sets a child up for an overnight camping failure by offering things like “I will pick you up if you are unhappy,” or “let’s just try this camp for one week to see how it goes.” Kids need a chance to feel homesick and get through it with the help of counselors and individual coping mechanisms to feel successful about a camp experience. One week barely gives a child a chance to find their way around a camp, much less feel the tinge of missing Mom and Dad (or the family dog). A two to four week introductory session allows the child to be immersed in the daily routine of a new and safe place, build friendships that will carry over until the next summer, and feel the success of doing something totally on their own. Do the research right and feel comfortable with letting go!
Myth: “My son plays sports all year long, so I want to give him a break from the routine.”
Fact: While it is a nice break for some kids to fish and hike at camp, others just want to play ball! I advise parents to look for a camp that can provide the sports that the child likes, plus some new challenges that the parents might want for their child. Summer sports are far different than sports during the school year. There is less of an emphasis on winning. A child who can’t make the select baseball or soccer team at home may shine in a camp environment. There are no “helicopter parents” hovering over their kids or yelling on the sidelines. One camp director told me that at the beginning of each session, the campers focus much more heavily on the sports because this is how they are comfortable socializing. Yet, by the middle to end of the session, the kids are much more comfortable to take risks – both athletically and socially. Whether it is up to bat or on the boat, these camps hire counselors who serve as role models to teach qualities like good sportsmanship, teamwork, and learning to lose gracefully.
Myth: “My friend is the best source for camp suggestions.”
Fact: While your friend may speak to her own child’s experience, camp advisors visit literally hundreds of camps each summer. Camp advisory services have years of experience addressing families’ questions and concerns. Advisors ask families the questions necessary to make sure the “fit” is right between the program and the child and provide families with list of questions to ask directors. These services are free, helping families to gather information, compare programs, and obtain references and feedback from past participants. The breadth of information an advisory service can provide is invaluable.
When the time comes for choosing a camp, there are a thousand questions to ask. But, it is important to ask the right questions and get the facts so that you can get the right fit for your child. Once you have done this, the investment will provide you and your child with lifetime rewards.
Tips on Trips and Camps is one of the oldest and largest camp advisory services. Established in 1971, “Tips” has advisors in 16 cities, relationships with over 600 sleep away camps and programs, and each year provides advice and guidance to thousands of families. For more information and advice, to request brochures and DVDs, or to speak to a knowledgeable consultant, contact Jill@TipsonTripsandCamps.com or visit http://www.TipsonTripsandCamps.com.