Tips: Preparing your child for overnight camp

Camping can be a great experience for kids, once they master that first time of being away from home. Here are suggestions from Christopher Thurber, author of “The Summer Camp Handbook: Everything You Need to Find, Choose and Get Ready for Overnight Camp - and Skip the Homesickness” (Perspective Publishing, $14.95).

“ Have your child stay overnight with a friend or grandparents ahead of time.

“ Before camp starts, talk with your child about his or her fears, and let the child know that homesickness is normal. Don’t promise to come to the rescue.

“ Arrange for your child to bring a friend along to camp. Or check with the camp to see if other kids from your area are attending, and exchange information before camp starts. Then, when your child arrives, friends are already on hand.

“ Have your child participate in preparations, such as choosing clothes and labeling and packing them, and addressing postcards to write home.

“ Allow your child to take a favorite stuffed animal or pictures of the family.

“ Don’t send your child off with mixed messages: “Have fun, but I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”

“ If you must call the camp, phone the director, not your child.

“ Send postcards if your child will be away several days. If you receive a letter indicating homesickness, wait a few days before answering because situations change: The child makes a friend, or the sun comes out.

“ Signs that your child needs to come home because of homesickness include not eating or sleeping, or crying constantly. Consult with counselors before bringing him or her home.

“ Parents should expect to feel a void while children are gone. It’s all right to enjoy the respite.

The Arizona Republic