Going to camp can be difficult for a child that has never left home for a long period of time. It’s also difficult for the parents, and especially the mother,
to let go. However, after all the tears are dry, everyone gets used to things and heading off to camp will become just another thing the family does.

You can help your child make the adjustment to going off to camp by keeping the child informed about what the camp will be like, showing them many photos and making a visit out there. Do not pressure your child
to go to camp; they should want to go on their own. In some circumstances though, it might not be their choice, and you’ll have to force them a bit. You can often lie to them and tell them that if they do not like it, they can come home in a week or a month. By then, they will have made some friends and are unlikely to want to return home or to even want to see their parents again.

Make sure your child is well prepared for camp, and has all the items they might need, including hiking gear, swimsuits, snacks, notebooks, games, trading cards, etc. You might check with the camp to see what is recommended and what is banned. Your child will feel better knowing they
are prepared and enjoy their time more if they are not missing items or
feeling like they have less than other children.

Discuss the parent visiting days and what the children might like you to bring for them on those days. Also make sure the child has plenty of envelopes,
paper and stamps to write you letters, and a phone card so they can call you whenever they feel lonely or upset. Most camps do not allow the children to carry cash, so check with your camp for rules. Do not let your child bring
items that are expensive, and make sure they have a locker where they can keep items that are important to them.

You'll also want to ensure that your child maintains healthy hygiene, with proper showering and brushing their teeth, as they will not be supervised as well as you supervise them at home. So, counsel your children carefully
before they go. Also make sure that they feel that they can tell you about anything that might happen at camp that upsets them or is inappropriate.