Bringing It Home: Using Camp-Learned Skills after Camp

Well, Labor Day has come and gone, and the days at summer camp feel long-lost. Just because the experience is over doesn’t mean the lessons learned are over.

As parents, you probably sent your child to camp with some secret goals in the back of your mind. Maybe your camp even asked you to list things you’d like your child to work on — like making friends, cleaning up, or sharing with others. Now that your child is home, don’t stop encouraging these activities and habits! Here are several examples of ways that camp-learned skills can be applicable as you transition your camper back to the classroom.

• As a counselor, I printed out the weekly weather forecast and taped it near my bed. Each night, someone would read the forecast aloud and the campers would pick out their clothing for the next day, fold it, and leave it at the foot of their bed. Not only did this make mornings easier, but it encouraged forward thinking, created excitement for the next day, and taught the campers to be responsible for their choices.

  Bringing it home: Make a day-by-day list of school and extracurricular activities, special classes, and lessons — and then tape it on your child’s wall. Each night, encourage him to pick out the things he will need for the next day. Teach him a way to pack or organize these things and then follow up with a double-check to be safe. Set an alarm clock in your child’s room and let him get ready in the morning on his own. This will surely de-stress parents, and it will give your child some confidence and responsibility.
   

• Cabin clean-up probably wasn’t your child’s favorite camp activity, but it was necessary, and genuine learning happened during that time. I learned how to properly set and clear a table while at camp. When I got home, I was excited to show off my skills!

  Bringing it home: If you know your camper made her bed every morning at camp, she can do the same at home. If she set the table at camp, she can set the table at home. Don’t let your camper shirk responsibility — she can be a productive and helpful member of your family the same way she helped her cabin mates! If you have multiple children, set up a rotating chore schedule and reward system, just like camp does.
   

• While away at camp, your child probably tried some activities you never thought he would. Maybe he excelled at these things, or maybe he discovered some that were more difficult. Whatever the outcome, trying something new and taking positive risks are part of every growth and learning experience.

  Bringing it home: Keep encouraging your child to do, see, go, and try. Sleep-overs, auditions, and try-outs are all experiences that could lead to disappointment or astounding success. Trying things does more than build confidence — it gives your child the opportunity to learn how he feels and react in situations that go well . . . or not so well. Check into local “free trial” activities. These are great opportunities for your child to check out a new class or activity that might interest them. Who knows, they might discover something they love!
   

• I’ve seen many campers ring the bell at the top of the climbing wall or pass their deep-end swim test. You know what? It’s not the bell or the deep-end wristband that makes that kid’s day — it’s the high five from her counselor. You can’t deny how awesome it feels when someone is truly proud of you. It’s just the best!

  Bringing it home: A little positive reinforcement goes a long way. Don’t discount the positive impact you can have in your child’s life every day. Give hugs and high-fives liberally. Wallpaper your fridge with good or improving grades. When your child feels the love, she’ll be more likely to trust your judgment, try new things, and be agreeable.

Remember, learning and growing doesn’t stop when your child leaves camp. Continuing your child’s growth and expanding upon their experiences is in your hands.

Cari Meng was a YMCA camp counselor extraordinaire from 2004–2007 and is ready and willing to show parents the ropes when it comes to making summer camp a success for kids — before, during, and after the experience. When she’s not talking camp, Cari is a residence hall director for a small university in the Midwest.