When summer rolls around, many parents prepare to send their child to sleep-away camp. Before making a decision on a camp, you should consider what kind of camping experience will benefit both your child and family.
   Kristy Hagar, Ph.D., a psychologist on staff at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, offers this advice on how parents can prepare their child, and themselves, for this summertime adventure.

• Ask plenty of questions: How does my child feel about going away? Has he or she handled previous sleep-away experiences well? What do other people who know my child outside the home, such as teachers, mentors and coaches, think about the idea? Understand that a child’s age is less important than his or her emotional and temperamental makeup (although most camps have a minimum age of 10).
• Make sure your child will enjoy the activities at the camp, which vary greatly and often focus on particular areas, including competitive sports, nature studies and the arts.
• Gather as much information as possible. For example, review camp videotapes, meet with camp directors and counselors, ask friends and neighbors how their children enjoyed camps you are considering, and, if possible, visit the campsite itself. Once you’ve chosen a camp, write letters to the counselors describing your child’s temperament and the activities he or she likes.
• Monitor your own separation-anxiety level. Try not to make your anxiety too evident, because children tend to feed off their parents’ fears. You can take some comfort in that you have fully researched and chosen what you consider to be the best camp. Once your child is away, avoid initiating contact and, if need be, talk to the camp director or a counselor to see how your child is faring.
• Many camps offer special services to children with just about any type of physical, medical, emotional or psychological disability or need. One question to ask is whether a camp that exclusively provides special services to children with special needs is preferable to a camp that has a more inclusive, mainstream setting.
• Help your child pack sufficiently for their camping experience. Most camps provide a checklist, including attire needed for themed parties and other essentials. If this is the first time away, the child may want to bring a familiar stuffed animal or toy from home to ease their anxiety.

Resources:
Children’s Medical Center Health Library