|
If there is one thing about children that can't be denied,
it is that they are both inherently curious and risk-takers.
These are both important elements to learning. Camp gives children
opportunities for safe risks, enabling children to challenge
their steepest learning curve. Camp nurtures curiosity inviting
creativity which is a precursor to discovery and growth. Why
shouldn't we as parents want to ensure that our children
have such opportunities? It can literally take our breath
away when we recognize the growth—physical, intellectual,
emotional, and moral that occurs at camp.
As parents, we recognize these benefits, which are even backed
by research. But sometimes it's hard for parents to let
go and allow their children to take those healthy risks, which
will help them develop into the individuals we hope they will
become. Many times, we fear that they will become homesick, but
in reality it is we who are homesick, and it is our children
who are picked up at camp with broad smiles, and perhaps a bit
muddy. In fact, research has shown that homesickness is
normal, and only one to seven percent of campers are severely
homesick.
While kids are kept busy and active at camp, there are many
opportunities for campers and parents to keep in touch. Many
directors encourage their campers to write home regularly to
their parents, brothers, and sisters.
Do's
- Give your child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards
so that they can keep you informed of camp activities.
- Ask the camp director if electronic communications are available
for campers' use. If so, remind your child that you can stay
connected with him or her through home e-mail, fax, the camp's
Web site, or even podcasts!
- Send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will
be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives. This
lets young campers know that the family has not forgotten them,
assures the camper that you know he or she is having a good
time, and expresses enthusiasm for the camp's activities.
- Even the best of us can sometimes truly become homesick for
something special from home. Many camps allow parents to send
care packages to campers. Check with the camp director to see
what the camp's policies are in regards to what items
may or may not be sent. Also, consider sending your child to
camp with photos or a favorite stuffed animal.
Don'ts
- Although there are benefits in keeping youth informed of
what's going on at home, avoid going into great detail since
the young adventurers might feel they're missing something
back home. Directors advise parents not to mention how much
they or even their pets miss them.
- Don't worry. Your natural reaction is to call on the first
day just about bedtime to see how your camper is doing. Okay,
you will worry, but remember that counselors are trained to
recognize and deal with symptoms of homesickness.
- As one experienced camp director noted, "We have few
homesick children, but we have homesick parents by the dozens."
Most importantly, always check with the camp director prior
to camp to get the scoop on policies, from what electronics are
allowed at camp to correspondences with home. Camp directors
are sensitive to parents needs—many are parents as well!
We intuitively know that in order for our children to become
healthy, productive citizens, they will need to be able to navigate
the world in which they live well beyond formal academic skills.
We also understand, as parents, if a child is to mature into
a successful adult, he or she must be able to exercise mind,
body, and soul, and camp is the perfect opportunity for this. While
parents must let go to allow a child to experience these benefits,
they will return home happy to see you, and those bonds can be
strengthened with healthy communication while your child is at
camp, making new friends and experiencing new learning opportunities.
Just don't be surprised if they are too busy toasting s'mores,
learning how to ride a horse, and laughing with new friends to
write home!
Top of page |
|
|
