Is your child ready for a summer overnight camp? As the school year winds down you're probably trying to plan what to do with your kids this summer, especially if both you and your spouse work.
You may be wondering, and your kid may be asking about sleepaway camp.
And you're wondering - is she ready? If you attended a summer overnight camp, then you probably know what the experience is like and that will help you determine if your child is ready or not.
But if you didn't, here are some tips to help you make that decision.
If your child is interested and other of his or her friends are heading off to summer sleepaway camp, then your own kid may be ready.
If your child shows no signs of being able to contemplate an extended period of time away from your, then that may also be a key factor in judging their readiness.
Has your kid successfully handled sleepovers before? If your child is experienced at sleepovers, without getting homesick, than she may be ready for an overnight summer camp program.
Another way to help him be ready for the experience - see if some of his friends will also be attending an overnight camp and try to see if you can send him to the same one.
Not all summer overnight camps last all summer.
You may want to just send your new camper for a shorter one to two week session instead of signing him up for the whole summer.
However, sometimes the camp experience is enhanced for your child by being longer, rather than shorter, allowing him to develop a greater sense of independence and deeper friendships.
Another point to consider is your child's level of responsibility and independence.
Can your kid keep track of his own things and handle washing their own clothes and managing their camp allowance? If not, it may be a sign that your child isn't quite ready.
On the other hand, a summer overnight camp may be the perfect way for your child to get a handle on these skills.
Other possible warning signs to be concerned about include your child's attitude towards eating and other adults.
Picky eaters tend to have trouble at camp, where meals are one size fits all.
Also children aren't comfortable with other adults, like coaches or teachers and are still attached to their parents, may not be ready for a sleepaway camp.
There really is no one way to tell if your child is ready for an overnight summer camp.
You will have to judge for yourself if your child is ready and if you have some concerns, whether the camp experience, with its reliance on building independence will help or hurt your child.
If your child isn't ready, never fear - there is always next summer.