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SUMMER CAMP ADVICE
From 7 Parents Who’ve Experienced Some Pitfalls Firsthand

Snow is falling outside and hot cocoa is simmering on the stove for the kids. What should you be thinking about on this winter day: shoveling the driveway? Actually, summer camp.

If you are planning on sending your child to camp for the first time or are trying a new camp this coming summer, it behooves you to start the process early, even though swimming trunks and popsicle crafts are the furthest things from your mind.

Despite spring registration cut-off dates, most popular camps book far in advance. Unless you want to be “the worst parent ever” in the eyes of your child, start now and avoid the melodrama later. However, waiting until the last minute isn’t the only foible many parents make in regards to summer camp. Here are some pointers from parents who've made the mistakes you should avoid.

1. “I used to squeeze too much into my children’s schedule during the summer. I’d organize activity after activity, including a few weeks at summer camp. Instead of enjoying the summer, my kids got a little stressed out—and so did I. Don’t pack too many things in, and schedule adequate time between say, the end of a family vacation and the beginning of summer camp, so everyone has enough time to relax and recuperate.” Denise Reynolds, California.

2. “It’s easy to forget when you’re caught up in the researching process that your child is the one going to camp, not you. What may be fun for you is not necessarily fun for your kid. Involve your son or daughter in the process, and let your child choose the camp that interests him or her the best. Then you can narrow down the camps together to a final contender.” Bill Pasternak, Oregon.

3. “I’m a procrastinator by nature, so in addition to often making the mistake of registering my children too late for camp and then pleading with admissions personnel, I’d also forget to fill out the forms the camp requires, such as the medical-release form. Instead of stashing it in the back of the junk drawer, leave it out and bring it with you to a scheduled doctor’s checkup with an envelope already stamped and addressed. Then you just have to pop it in the mail when you leave the office.” Robin Hollister, Massachusetts.

4. “Despite what my children say about how embarrassing it is to hear from their parents while at summer camp (‘we’re not babies you know’), I always write a few letters to them. Even though they put on a great show of bravery when I drop them off the first day, I know there’s nothing worse than being the only child whose name is not called when mail arrives.” Suresh Patel, New Jersey.

5. “Do you know how many times I’ve bought my kids new clothes for camp and when they come home the clothes are destroyed or missing? Don’t waste money on new clothes. Scrounge up what you have around the house, check out garage sales or visit discount stores if you really must stock up on shorts and T-shirts.” Desiree Brown, South Carolina.

6. “My kids always appreciate a care package. It helps prevent them from becoming homesick because I put in some of their favorite types of toys, magazines and even some of the food they’re used to eating. Although camp cafeterias are getting better with serving a variety of foods, I doubt platanos are available just yet.” Rosa Linares, Texas.

7. “I learned the hard way that you should always follow the camp rules. My son was attending camp a few miles away from home. One day I decided to pop in for a visit, even though the camp had restrictions against surprise visits. Well, needless to say my son was humiliated that I showed up, I got scolded, and in addition he was reprimanded. Now I always play by the rules.” Stan Rothstein, Illinois.

Courtesy of Metro Editorial Services.