Summer Camp Scaries: How To Help Children Overcome First Day of Camp Anxiety

While summer camp is an exciting time for children, getting back into the swing of camp or attending for the first time can be overwhelming! If your child has been excitedly talking about camp but is starting to get nervous now that it’s approaching, you’re not alone! As a parent, there are several steps you can take to ease away the summer camp scaries and make the transition to camp much easier. In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the things you can do to help your child enjoy their summer camp experience to the fullest!

Validate Their Feelings

Even if your child has been to camp before and loved it, the change of going back can still be overwhelming. Remember to be supportive and empathetic if they express concerns or fears, and remind them that it's normal to feel nervous in new or changing situations. Give them the space to express their concerns and talk about their feelings without judgment. If they’ve been to camp before, spend time talking about their past experiences that they enjoyed. If this is their first year, talk to them about their expectations and some things they’re excited about.

Familiarize Them With the Camp

If possible, take the time to visit the camp with your child before the start of the program. This will give them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the surroundings, meet the staff, and ask any questions they may have. Familiarity can help alleviate anxiety and make the first day of camp less intimidating. Depending on the camp, they may offer other activities throughout the year that your child can attend to build a stronger relationship and comfort level with the staff and potentially make some new friends who might also be attending summer camp! Even if you can’t actually go into the facility in advance, take a drive to the camp and point out where they’ll be going in on their first day to help them feel a little more familiar with the camp.

At The Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County, we offer a variety of activities like Sports Leagues, STEM Programs, and more throughout the year. If your child is nervous about attending our summer camp, they can join us before camp starts to get to know our facility, staff, and potentially make some new friends that they’ll see again at camp!

Find Ways To Stay Connected

If your summer camp allows cell phones and your child is old enough for one, make sure you’re close to your phone for the first few days in case they need words of encouragement over call or text. You can also stay connected without phones by including notes in their lunchbox and bag to remind them you’re thinking of them. You can also pick out something like a bracelet, necklace, or shoe charm together to remind your child that you’re with them throughout the day!

Practice Independence Beforehand

Encourage your child to practice independence in the weeks leading up to camp. Depending on their age, this could involve tasks such as packing their own bag, making their bed, or spending time away from home with friends or relatives. Developing independence skills will boost your child's confidence and make them feel more capable of handling new experiences. If your child isn’t used to doing any activities without you, introducing them slowly before camp will help them feel less overwhelmed and scared on their first day. 

Keep Up a Routine

Continuing a consistent routine can help your child feel more secure during their time at camp. If your child is starting camp right after school is finished, they’ll already be in the rhythm of a structured routine. But if there will be a gap between school and camp, try keeping up their routine of waking up on time, having a designated bedtime, and eating meals at a fairly standard time. Consistency provides structure and predictability, which can be comforting for children in a new environment. 

Set Goals and Celebrate Achievements

Try and ease your child’s fears by setting goals for their time at camp. Whether they want to conquer their fear of heights on the ropes course or make a new friend, creating goals for their time and camp and celebrating their achievements can help give them something to think about and plan for. Whether you celebrate them by reminding them how proud you are of them or taking them out for ice cream after achieving a goal, this encouragement can help ease nerves and boost their confidence.