Syracuse Parent and CNY Family

Dr. Monica Jones is a pediatrician with Syracuse Pediatrics. Reach her at www.syracusepediatrics.com. To send a health-related question to the doctor, write to editor@syracuseparent.net

Camp readiness determined together
Posted on Tue, March 27th, 2007
Written by: Monica Jones, MD, Pediatrician/Syracuse Pediatrics
email: editor@syracuseparent.net

It is hard to be thinking of things to do in the summer when we are still shoveling out from inches of snow. But it is time to start planning what your kids will be doing this summer. There are many options when looking at summer camps. The most important thing is to make sure your child is ready for the camp you choose.
Parents ask me all the time when is their child ready for a sleep away camp. The “right” age can be 6-7 years for some children and 14-15 for others. Overnight camps can last anywhere from one week to several weeks. They are a wonderful opportunity to build your child’s independence, self-confidence and social ability. The first thing to do is ask your child if they want to go away to camp. While it is normal for children to be a bit scared, if they are absolutely against it, consider other options. A trial sleepover at a friends or family can be a nice way to do a test run if they have never been away from home.
Other things to consider:
• Involve your child when choosing the camp.
• Make sure the camp has things your child wants to do. There are camps for every interest from science to sports.
• Look at things like range of activities, scheduling, flexibility, discipline policies, and religious affiliations. Narrow down a list to a few choices that you are comfortable with and then help your child go through it to make the final choice.
• If possible, visit the camp in advance. If not, show children pictures and the brochure. Many camps offer a website or might have videos that will help your child become comfortable with the campsite.
• Check to see if any other children from your area are attending or interested in attending the same camp.
• Consider asking the camp if anyone else in your area will be going. It’s a nice way to also meet new people in your neighborhood. This allows kids to have someone familiar with them in a new environment.
Camp should be a positive and fun experience. Soon your child will be anxiously awaiting their return to camp year after year. In the meantime, keep shoveling that snow. Sun is coming.

Dr. Monica Jones is a pediatrician with Syracuse Pediatrics. Reach her at www.syracusepediatrics.com. To send a health-related question to the doctor, write to editor@syracuseparent.net