Sending your child to sleepaway camp is a huge milestone—for both the parents and child! Whether your camper is counting down the days with excitement or feeling a little unsure about what’s to come (or both!), a little preparation can go a long way in setting them up for a confident, comfortable, and fun summer.
Below are some practical tips from child psychologist, Dr. Lauren Feiden, to help your first-time camper build the skills they’ll need to navigate camp life independently—and have a blast doing it!
- Start with Small Daily Habits at Home
Think of camp prep as a slow warm-up, not a sprint. Start incorporating small routines at home so they become second nature by the time camp rolls around. A few helpful habits to build now:
- Make the bed each morning – Camp cabins can get messy fast, and making the bed is a quick win that helps kids feel organized and score well during bunk inspections.
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper (right side out!) – This makes it easier for laundry staff—and teaches responsibility.
- Practice turning the shower on/off and rinsing off all the soap/shampoo – You won’t be there to remind them!
- Have them pick out clean PJs and socks each night – And talk about how often to swap out clothes (hint: daily underwear is non-negotiable).
- Build Hygiene Independence
From brushing teeth to wiping properly, some hygiene habits need extra reinforcement before heading off on their own:
- Tooth brushing – Twice a day, including at night even when they’re tired or distracted.
- Wiping thoroughly – It’s a skill! Use the time now to support good habits.
- Showering – At least every other day is a good rule of thumb, especially with outdoor play, sweat, and bug spray.
- Cut nails and clean ears – Teach them how to do these simple grooming tasks or how to ask for help when needed.
- Talk About Asking for Help
Let your child know that it’s absolutely okay—and expected—to ask a counselor for help. Whether they’re unsure how to use a bunk bed ladder, need help with sunscreen, or feel overwhelmed by a group game, counselors are there to support them. Role-play simple phrases like:
- “Can you help me with this?”
- “I’m not sure what to do—can you show me?”
- “I don’t feel well. Can I see the nurse?”
- Navigating Homesickness
Feeling homesick at some point is totally normal—even for the most enthusiastic campers. A few strategies to prepare:
- Normalize it – Let your child know that missing home is part of the experience and it usually passes.
- Leave notes – Pack a few letters or sticky notes in their duffel bag with encouraging messages.
- Avoid “pick-up deals” – Avoid promising you’ll come get them if they’re sad; it can make adjusting harder.
- Practice sleepovers – Try a weekend away with family or friends before camp begins.
- Preview the experience – Show your child pictures or videos of the camp and talk through what to expect. If possible, set up a playdate with another camper before camp begins to help make a familiar face on day one.
- Build resilience – Remind your child of past moments when they felt nervous or unsure but pushed through and did great. This helps reinforce their ability to handle new situations.
- Saying Goodbye – Ask your child how they’d like to say goodbye—whether it’s a special hug, handshake, or sharing a favorite meal—and stick to it. And remember: a few tears are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about!
- Prepping for New Friendships & Social Challenges
Camp is a great place to meet new friends—but also a space where social bumps can happen. By giving your child tools and reassurance ahead of time, you’re helping them feel empowered and ready to navigate the social side of camp with confidence. Help your child practice:
- Introducing themselves – Role-play saying, “Hi, I’m [Name]. Want to play?”
- Sharing space and belongings – Remind them to ask before borrowing and to label their things.
- Conflict resolution – Teach simple phrases like, “I didn’t like when you said that,” or “Can we do something else?” and remind them that the grown-ups are there to help too.
- Validate feelings – Meeting new people and adjusting to group life can bring a mix of emotions. Let your child know that it’s okay to feel excited, nervous, or both—and that those feelings are completely normal.
Final Thought
Sending your child to camp for the first time can stir up a mix of nerves and excitement—for everyone. But with a little prep, your camper will head into their summer adventure feeling more confident and capable. And who knows? They may come home not just with new friendships and memories—but with some impressively improved personal habits, too.
