Camp Counselors Share Tips for Getting Kids Psyched for Summer Camp

Who is more excited for Summer Camp, you or your kids? We all know going to camp has serious social, as well as mental health benefits for your child. However, many children have different feelings when it comes to beginning or going back to camp. Some are over the moon excited, while some are nervous and apprehensive. 

We spoke to some former camp counselors in Staten Island to share some tips for getting kids pumped for their summer camp adventures!

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Support any Initial Feelings

If your child is feeling great about camp, that is amazing, and you should engage in the positive feelings. On the other hand, if your child is a ball of nerves, you should definitely open up a discussion about it. 

Former camp counselor Paige from the Rossville area explains, “We talk about our feelings in a circle on the first day. It helped kids who were nervous to see that they were not the only ones. The kids, who were all feeling nervous, bonded over their feelings. These kids then end the summer with happy tears that they do not want camp to end.” 

Patience, Patience Patience 

Brianna, a former camp counselor in Woodrow, has seen many children come into summer camp with nerves, stating, “A kid came in really shy as well as crying.” Brianna additionally went on to explain that the mother of this child worked a full-time job, and therefore her son needed to be in summer camp. “We started playing some icebreaker games. Throughout the week, he opened up more and more throughout the games we would play. Soon enough, by Friday, he was loving camp and making friends, earning him ‘Camper of the Week’ for the first week. He now comes back every summer so excited for camp.” Brianna further explained that this is very common within summer camps, and depending on your child, it may take longer for them to adapt. 

Start the Countdown

We countdown to the holidays, birthdays, and summers, so why not build up some anticipation by creating a countdown for your child’s summer camp experience? Get creative! You can pop it on your calendar and have your child cross out the dates as time passes. Utilize a whiteboard to create a routine. In the morning or afternoon, you and your child can erase the days leading up to summer camp and update it. A countdown creates anticipation and excitement for your camper.

Open Houses

A great way to introduce your kid to the camp is to visit open houses. Many camps and summer camp programs offer open houses in the spring months to introduce your children to the atmosphere and the staff and answer any questions. 

Samantha, a former camp counselor in the Tottenville area, spoke on the matter, saying, “Many children who are apprehensive about attending camp immediately become excited after attending our open house. We encourage the children to ask as many questions as possible so they know exactly what their experience will be like.”

Educate Children on their Camp & Activities

 Whichever camp you choose for your child, research what activities will be available for your child. Upon personal research, let your kids know what fun activities will be offered to them at camp. Many camps have social media accounts, in which case you can show your child fun-filled posts. “My son was definitely more excited about going to camp when he found out about the free play time and saw the basketball court.” Lisa, a local mother from Wo0droow, explained. 

Pick out some fun camp outfits

You want your child to feel their absolute best going to camp. Spend some quality time with your child by picking out some potential camp outfits. Whether it is clothes you pick out from their wardrobe or if you shop, help your child choose some camp looks that evoke confidence and positive feelings. 

Foresee Future Friendships

Camp allows children to create bonds and friendships with other campers. Continue to grow your child’s excitement by letting them know there will be so many campers who can become future friends. Jenna, an activity director and camp counselor in the Tottenville area, states, “At camp every day I see so many friendships blossom! Inform your child that they are going to meet some of their best friends! Camp builds community.”

 Tara, a mother as well as a Camp Co-Director on the South Shore, explains, 

“Summer Camp is about making memories and friends that last a lifetime…When the camper grows up, they always think back on summer camp days…memories from trips, crafts, swimming, color wars, field day, carnival, tie-dye, and so much more. Those summer camp friends become family.” 

Take these pieces of advice and get your child excited to start camp. Building up excitement will squash any nerves and create some camp confidence, no matter where you send your child to camp.