For younger children the prospect of spending a night away from home can be frightening. Before sending you child to an overnight summer camp program you should prepare and reassure the child. Some children may even think that they are being sent away for good. Talk to them about camp and how long they will be there and how much you will miss them.

If you are fortunate, your child may have spent a few nights away from home at grandparents’ or friends’ homes. If not, you should arrange for some sleepovers before sending them to overnight camp. If they feel assured that it is alright to spend the night away from mom and dad, and that mom and dad will pick them up when they say they will, they should have no problems dealing with overnight summer camp.

Some children may still feel insecure after the first or second day at camp. If the camp allows children to make or receive telephone calls, arrange to speak to your child. Make sure that you are available at the time you promised to call, or expect their call. Speaking with a parent can allay the fear of abandonment that some children have.

To a young child, a week can seem like a life time. If your child is enjoying his new surroundings and activities, he will probably not miss his parents as much. Children who continue to be troubled may have to come home. It isn’t fair to disrupt the sleep of other campers and counselors with a child who is inconsolable.

Know your child. If your child is young or exceptionally clingy, now may not be the time to send him to overnight summer camp. Some children need a little more time to grow up than others. You are sending your child to camp so he will have learn new skills, make friends, and have a good time. If he can’t enjoy himself away from mom and dad, he probably should wait another year for this experience. Try a day camp this year instead.

Some children may have only a vague idea of what summer camp entails. Arrange a time when your child can meet other children who have enjoyed a positive camp experience.

You might want to consider getting a book or two about summer camp for your child to read. There are books at Amazon for almost any age group about both day and overnight camps.

Related posts:

• Old Fashioned Fun for Kids At a Traditional Summer Camp
• Getting Ready for Summer Camp: The Essential Guide