Helpful Hints

Our adventure camps are more than just a holiday for children. As a parent there are a few things to consider, increasing the potential for a rewarding camp experience for your child. Over the years Camp Beaumont has helped many children and parents cope with "the away from home camp experience." The following are some tried and tested coping tips to consider before your child leaves for camp:

Do most new campers come to camp with a friend?

No – most children come to camp not knowing anyone and some children actually say it’s easier to make new friends when they don’t know anyone from home.

• Encourage your child’s independence wherever you can. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can help simulate the camp experience.
• Involve your child in the process of choosing a camp. The more the child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp.
• Encourage your child to speak to the Camp Specialists and ask questions.
• Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves.
• Consider role playing, working through anticipated situations e.g. unpacking, lost towel, self-service buffet, food selection.
• Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other. Your child’s camp has a phone calls policy, please discuss it and honour it.
• Send a note ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge, in a positive way, that you will miss your child. For example, you can say "I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp."
• Don’t bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong message. The reward should be your child’s new found confidence and independence.
• Pack a personal item from home, (such as a stuffed animal and / or photograph).
• If a "rescue call" comes from the child, offer calm reassurance and put the time frame into perspective. Avoid the temptation to take the child home early.
• Don’t feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development. (They will thank you for it later).
• Talk candidly with the Camp Director to obtain his/her perspective on your child’s adjustment.