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The Transformative Power of Sleepaway Camp BY MADISON VOORHIES
20 MARCH 2024 | NOLAFAMILY.COM a camp that not only aligns with their interests and personal hobbies but also hope to gain from their camp experience. After all, “an uninformed child is a child that is not going to succeed and thrive in a camp environment,” says Feldman. It’s important to help your child choose S ending your child to a sleepaway camp is a huge step in your child’s life– even if you don’t realize it! Summer camps offer great ways for children to grow emotionally and socially while making new friends and building new life skills along the way. We know it may seem nerve-wracking to send your children away for a week-long– or even month-long– overnight camp experience, but we’re here to reassure you it will all be okay. Tommy Feldman is the director of Camp Granite Lake, a small, family-owned, co-ed sleepaway camp just outside of Denver, Colorado. But what makes Feldman even more of a camp expert? His own children attend other summer sleepaway camps, so he knows what it’s like to be on both sides and is here to help grant some peace of mind throughout this process. Where to Start We’re all about healthy communication here so it’s no surprise we advise you to talk with your child about what the camp they’re going to is like and what they
camps by themselves or with siblings, if they have any. Inviting friends is a great way to calm your child’s nerves, but remind them that summer camps are all about making new friends, even if it is a little scary. Another good practice to ease children’s nerves is having them sleep away from home before they go. “For kids who have never been away to sleepaway camp or never been away from home for even a night,” Feldman says, “[that is] really the first step to making a child comfortable with spending the night away.” He describes these small sleepovers with friends or even family members as bridges to what sleepaway camp really is: either a seven-, or 20-, or 30-day sleepover with all of your new best friends. You can also help your child pack for their upcoming trip and ask them questions about what they’re bringing. Maybe you can remind them to pack their favorite T-shirt or remind them of little things they might forget– anything that will give your camper a sense of ownership and comfort while in transition. Staying In Touch Sometimes, parents are more ready to send their child away to camp than the child is. On the flip side, many children are thrilled to finally catch a break from
your family values. “There are so many factors to consider beyond price, beyond schedule, and location,” explains Feldman, “Looking for the right kinds of activities and making sure that the philosophy based on caring for the social and emotional development of your child aligns with your goals as a parent.” Your child may also be nervous about attending a sleepaway camp for the first time, so Feldman also advises exploring the camp websites together and leaving room for children to ask questions, look at pictures, and overall just spark a conversation about the experience. Most camps nowadays offer opportunities to meet with camp directors or counselors beforehand so that no question goes unanswered before your child leaves. Many families have children with special needs, whether it’s related to their development, dietary requirements, or any other accommodations. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available for all children, regardless of their background or physical condition. However, it’s essential to ask camp directors questions to ensure that the camp can genuinely provide a safe and inclusive environment for your child. Addressing First-Time Jitters Oftentimes, children attend sleepaway
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