If you’ve signed your child up for summer camp, you might be wondering what you need to do before they leave home for the week, month or summer. With a little preparation, getting ready for summer camp doesn’t have to be stressful. 

Check out these 5 Things To Do Before Sending Your Child To Camp. 

 

Talk About Camp

Whether this is your child’s first time away from home or they’re a seasoned camper, talk about what they’re going to be doing. Get your kids excited about summer camp. Ask them about their fears. And let them know what kinds of activities they can expect. The more they know, the better prepared they will be for typical camp situations. You can also get information about the camp from your camp director if you have specific questions.

 

Write Down Emergency Info

Make sure your children know your phone number and address so they can easily reach you if there’s an emergency. Create an emergency plan for camp counselors that includes phone numbers to doctors, allergies, your home phone, cell phone, and address, and any dietary restrictions. Print a copy for your child’s camp counselor and give one to your child too.

 

Create A Homesick Kit

Put together a kit that your kids can visit when they’re feeling homesick. It might include a stuffed animal, photos, a note from you, their favorite snack, or something else that’s meaningful. Also include some stationery, self-addressed stamped envelopes, and writing utensils so your kids can write home about their summer camp experiences.

 

Write Their Name On Everything

Your child is going to go to summer camp with a whole lot of gear and clothing that can easily get lost. Not to mention, some of the kids might be bringing similar gear. Write your child’s name on the tags inside their clothes and on the bottoms of items they take with them, so counselors can easily identify who an item belongs to. Whether you want to use a label maker or a permanent marker, writing their name on an item is a must-do before camp.

 

Start Packing

Get their pack list from their camp director, and start packing. There will likely be a lot of items on that list, and you may actually have to go out and do some shopping for things like sleeping bags or extra towels. Start early so you don’t forget anything at the last minute. For a full list of what to bring, check out our Packing For Summer Camp blog.