Camp season is almost upon
us. While we like to think the lazy, hazy days of summer means a time for
relaxation, more often than not that morning hustle can be just as stressful as
the school year.
Before sending your child
to day camp, here are 10 suggestions to help make your mornings smoother:
1. FILL ‘ER UP
Bring one bottle of water
that has been cooled in the refrigerator and a second one that has been in the
freezer. As the day wears on, the frozen water will melt and provide cool
refreshment for your child. Spray bottles are a great idea, too. They keep the
face and body cool in the hot sun.
2. IT’S A SCORCHER!
Apply sunscreen to your
child’s skin before he leaves home and send the tube along for later
reapplication. Avoid sending tanning lotion with little or no SPF, or sunscreen
that contains glitter as it can reflect light and cause sunburn. Consider
sending along a hat for extra protection.
3. BUG OFF!
If your child is going to
be out in a natural environment, he should wear insect repellent. Look for a
lotion that is safe for children; avoid sprays. When camp is over, always follow
up with a tick check.
4. ALL DECKED OUT
One thing camp directors often
see are children coming with the wrong dress. Some kids want to pick out their
own clothes, but if they have chosen black jeans and a dark t-shirt, it may not
be the best option. Dress your child for comfort, safety and appropriate
temperatures. Proper shoes are important too, particularly if he is playing
outside. Avoid strappy sandals and flip flops; opt for tennis shoes.
5. NAME IT AND CLAIM IT
Any item brought to camp
should have your child’s name, address and phone number on it in case it gets
left behind. It also avoids confusion if identical items are brought by two
children.
6. TIME OUT FROM TECH TOYS
Do not bring valuable
items such as handheld games or cell phones. Day camp programs are designed to
provide an enriching experience, and your child should be engaging in these
activities rather than playing with electronics. If these items are brought,
they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day in hopes your child
gets the message.
7. PILLS, PAINS AND OTHER PROBLEMS
All camps have forms for
parents to list medications their child is on. But if you take your child off a
medication for the summer, the camp needs to know that too, because it could cause
an extreme change in behavior.
Allergies are another
issue to make counselors aware of, be it insect or food related. Equally
important is to share other concerns with camp staff, such as if your family is
going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this might affect
how your child interacts throughout the day. Camps look out for the physical
and emotional needs of a child, so the more information you provide, the better
equipped they will be.
8. HELP IS ON THE WAY!
Having an emergency
contact person is vital. Even more important is that the designated person knows
you have written her name down. Every year camps have situations where they
call the emergency contact person and she was not informed she was designated
as such. Before listing a person’s name on the form, let her know first.
9. BEEF YER’ BRAIN
Read the materials the
camp gives you — policies, procedures and planned activities. If you know what
to expect and what is expected of you, things will run much smoother. Most camps
have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk
with your child about the activities planned. If she cannot participate because
of health reasons, make sure you (not your child!) inform the camp.
10. GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Find out if there is an
open house where you can meet the staff and see the facility prior to camp. If
not, make other arrangements to introduce yourself to those who will be caring
for your child. It is important for the camp directors and counselors to know you
so they can keep you informed on how things are going for your child at camp.
Finally, encourage your
child to enjoy the experience. Mark the first day of camp on the family
calendar and do a countdown. Help your child develop a checklist of items needed.
And don’t forget to share your own camp stories. Remind your child to do his
best, obey the rules, be respectful of others and have a great time!
Denise Yearian is the former editor of two
parenting magazines and the mother of three children.