Summer is an exciting time for children. The stress-free vacations are a well-earned reward for all the hard work children put into school all year. Many parents enroll their children in summer day camps to make the most of their summertime. Summer Day Camp programs offer the perfect opportunity for kids to have fun, make new friends and explore nature while learning essential life skills.
R.A.D. Camps’ Summer Day Camps Programs emphasize free play, fun, camaraderie, and an appreciation for the natural world. The theme of our programs is to let children enjoy the natural surroundings and learn about the environment.
To make the summer day camp experience most memorable for your child, prepare them beforehand. Below are some helpful tips to prepare your child for an enjoyable and fun-filled summer day camp experience.
Keep The Conversations Light and Positive
If this is the first time you have enrolled your child in a summer day camp program, you may be nervous and apprehensive about it. It is perfectly normal to feel this way. However, don’t show your nervousness in front of your child, as it can trigger separation anxiety and fear. Also, avoid talking about homesickness and other negative emotions.
Instead, focus on the positives. Have a light-hearted conversation with your child about their expectations of the summer day camp. If you have been a camper yourself, share your experiences with them and explain the basic do’s and don’ts of summer camp. To raise their level of excitement, discuss the schedule and the fun-filled activities that will take place at the summer day camp and the prospect of making new friends.
Involve Your Child in Packing For The Summer Day Camp
The packing list for summer day camps may not be as extensive as overnight camps. Still, there will be several essential items to pack. Stick to the packing list provided by the camp and try not to miss out on any necessary items. Ask your child to help you with the packing process. This will help them remember their belongings and where each item is placed in the backpack.
During the packing process, encourage your child to take care of his belongings and not lose them at the camping site. This will instill a sense of responsibility, and your little camper will take care of his items. Label the water bottles, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. Don’t forget to pack sun protection accessories such as sunglasses, hats, sunscreens, etc.
Involve Your Child in Packing For The Summer Day Camp
The packing list for summer day camps may not be as extensive as overnight camps. Still, there will be several essential items to pack. Stick to the packing list provided by the camp and try not to miss out on any necessary items. Ask your child to help you with the packing process. This will help them remember their belongings and where each item is placed in the backpack.
During the packing process, encourage your child to take care of his belongings and not lose them at the camping site. This will instill a sense of responsibility, and your little camper will take care of his items. Label the water bottles, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. Don’t forget to pack sun protection accessories such as sunglasses, hats, sunscreens, etc.
Motivate Your Child To Be More Independent
Summer day camps serve multiple purposes. On the one hand, they enable kids to have fun while exploring the outdoors and making new friends. On the other hand, they teach important life lessons and help develop social skills.
To help your child overcome anxiety or apprehension, encourage them to be more independent, especially in the weeks leading up to the camp. Start small such as encouraging your child to take responsibility for their belongings and maintain personal hygiene without you reminding them.
Sometimes kids panic during the beginning of the camp and want to quit. Gently instill the idea that they should complete the duration of the summer day camp and not call home at the slightest inconvenience. This will make them more resilient.
A good summer camp will give plenty of happy memories to your child! If you’re looking for an entertaining and affordable outdoor summer adventure, join our R.A.D. Camps summer programs. We offer summer day camp programs in Bend, Oregon. We take children on multiple fun-filled trips to the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Our motto is “no child left inside.” We connect children with nature through fun-filled activities.
For more information, visit our website or call us at (541) 410-7258.