Summer Fun: Getting Kids ready for Summer Camp and New Adventures!
Preparing a child for their first summer camp experience — whether it’s day-camp or overnight — often brings a mix of excitement and worry.
As the big day approaches, kids might become nervous, even fearful.
That’s perfectly normal! It’s an exciting time and for some kids it might be the first time they’ve been away from home for more than a night or two. Even kids who have already been to camp might feel nervous as summer draws near.
As a parent or caregiver, you might start to see your kids exhibiting increased separation anxiety and clinginess. They might have a harder time falling asleep and may dwell on worries like fitting in to camp or having to try new activities. Older children can grapple with social anxiety, fear of rejection, worries about meeting and making new friendships.
Young children may show increasing bedtime resistance or night wakings. Parents might notice mood swings, physical complaints like stomachaches from stress. Kids might say they have changed their minds and now want to stay home. Or they might ask parents to promise to pick them up if they don’t like it after only a few days. They may also try to ask for special privileges other kids don’t have, like calling home every day or sitting out any activity they don’t like.
Gentle preparation—practicing brief separations, normalizing nervous feelings, maintaining sleep routines, role-playing social scenarios, and helping your child set small, achievable goals—can reduce distress and build confidence so the camp experience becomes an opportunity for growth and resilience.
Everyone gets nervous and even anxious when trying something new. Spend time with your kids talking about what they are feeling. Reassure them that it is okay to be nervous. Take them through some of the many things they can do to lower their anxiety and prepare for a great summer adventure.
Here are some helpful links for further reading.
https://www.glowsleep.ca/about-5
https://childmind.org/article/13-tips-for-helping-anxious-kids-enjoy-summer-camp/