Summer camp is an excellent way for kids to bond with their peers and develop invaluable life skills. But some children might be feeling nervous if it’s their first time away from home. To help your little one get through their first summer camp experience, the day care specialists from Imagination Childcare Academy in Rochester, NY, have put together some tips.

A Local Day Care Specialists Shares 3 Ways to Prepare Kids for Summer Camp

1. Shopping

Shopping for summer camp supplies can help children feel more prepared and take away some nervousness. A week or two before camp, go shopping with your child and let them pick out supplies they’ll need, like travel toothpaste, a portable misting fan, or a fun water bottle. There’s no need to splurge; the point of having a shopping trip is to help your child imagine what a day at camp is like, making it seem less intimidating.

2. Sleepover

Some kids going to summer camp have never spent time away from home on their own, so sending them on a sleepover can be like a trial run. To prepare children for camp, have them spend the night at a friend’s house from day care or a family member’s house so they can get used to being away from home. They might be uncomfortable at first, but for some, it’s a big step in the right direction and is exactly what they need to leave for their camping trip with confidence.

3. Notes From Home

If your little one is especially nervous, a note from home can be a big help once they’re at summer camp. Instead of writing notes about how much you miss them, ask questions about their activities and show your excitement for them taking part in the camping experience. This will prevent them from getting homesick by redirecting the focus on them, and it reinforces positive associations with having independence.  

To help prepare your child for summer camp, enroll them in a day care program at Imagination Childcare Academy in Rochester, NY. Whether you prefer a before school program or after school program, their certified teachers facilitate a number of enriching curricula to develop social skills for school age and pre-k children. Visit their website to learn more or contact them at (585) 413-3948.