To Camp or Not to Camp

Camp can be a great learning opportunity for kids. According to Family Therapist, Michael Popkin, "Camp gives those who aren't strong academically a chance to develop skills they might not otherwise learn." Kids can develop physical skills like swimming and archery. Socially, kids learn the value of teamwork and often have the opportunity to take a leadership roles. Rebecca Cowan Johnson, licensed psychologist and camp director says, "camp is a place where kids make lifelong friends and get introduced to lifelong hobbies like sailing or weaving."

The decison to send your child to camp may not be an easy one. Your child may not want to go to camp, even though you know it would be a great experience for her. Or, even though your child is ready and willing to go, you may feel she's too young to attend summer camp. Read on to learn what camp options are out there, and how to determine which is the right choice for your child.

Camping Options

Being away from home for the first time is never easy. Some younger kids may feel very comfortable going to camp, especially if their older brother or sister is there, too. Other young children may find the overnight camp experience very hard.

"Kids should have a few overnight experiences before they go to summer camp," says Bob Shultz, Director of Public Relations for the American Camping Association. He suggests they spend a weekend with their grandparents or sleep-over at a friend's house a few times before going away. How your kids react to these overnight visits will give you some insight into how they might experience summer camp.

Overnight camp might not be right for everyone. Eight-year-old Julie loved camp while her 12-year-old sister Margaret hated every minute of it. Her parents decided to let her tough it out, but Margaret, now an adult, insists she didn't get too much out of that summer other than planning elaborate escapes from camp.

Camp Director Jim Matheson, the owner and director of Camp Rim Rock in Yellow Springs, WV, says that some campers simply feel strange in this new environment. His counselors work hard to help the campers feel more comfortable, by giving them extra attention and letting them know they're important. New friends help, too. 'We make sure that every camper has made two new friends, another camper and a counselor, by the end of "Opening Day."

Dr. Popkin advises parents to hang in there, even in the face of letters that plead homesickness. "Buy some time from your kids," suggests Dr. Popkin. "Ask them to try it for a couple of days. They'll usually start to thoroughly enjoy themselves." Kids gain a lot by developing the courage to overcome their feelings of homesickness and not be rescued from it." Matheson agrees, and further, encourages parents to keep in touch with the camp director if they sense their child isn't happy.

The Day Camp Option

For many kids, day camp is a great alternative to overnight camp. Many kids enjoy day camp into their teens, and some accept campers as young as three years old. It's a great choice for kids who are anxious about sleeping away from home, and they can get the same kind of outdoor and arts and crafts experiences.

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