Summer camp is one of the best opportunities to provide enriching experiences for children in the great outdoors. However, staying overnight can be daunting for children and parents, especially for the first time. The key to ensuring a great experience is knowing when your kid is ready to start developing some independence while having fun.
Common Signs of Readiness
Being ready for sleepaway camp goes beyond reaching minimum age requirements. Every child grows and develops at their own pace, and knowing when they are ready to enjoy themselves away from home is about observing the right signs, including:
- Sharing emotions and handling frustration.
- Performing daily tasks without help.
- Successfully spending a night away from home.
- Adapting to new situations and routines.
How to Know If Your Child Is Ready for an Overnight Camp
Readiness goes beyond reaching the minimal age requirements for sleepaway camp. Here is a checklist to help you determine whether your child is ready for a California overnight summer camp or needs some time to build their skills.
Emotional Regulation
Having sufficient emotional regulation skills is important to manage challenges and foster positive experiences. Basic emotional regulation skills will help your child manage their emotions, build positive relationships and adapt to new situations — such as snorkeling in a new environment or working with other campers on a marine science activity.
Self-Care Skills
While your child will be safeguarded and supervised by a responsible adult at all times, they should be able to care for themselves for small daily tasks. Every camper needs to learn healthy habits, liking showering, brushing their teeth and caring for their belongings independently.
Social Skills
Overnight summer camps in California are the perfect environment for children to develop friendships that can last a lifetime. Interacting with others, cooperation and conflict resolution are some of the key skills for children to make the most of the summer experience. These skills are essential for teamwork during activities like sailing and island exploration.
Adaptability
First-time campers can be overwhelmed by the change of pace and new experiences of an overnight summer camp. Adaptability is crucial for navigating changes, managing unexpected challenges and enjoying the activities and new experiences of camping. At Catalina Sea Camp, this means being open to trying new things, whether it’s snorkeling for the first time or learning about a new marine species.
Separation Comfort
Overnight summer camp can resemble the first day of school for both parents and children. Separation anxiety is normal in these cases, but children must understand that they will be safe and cared for so that they can explore and learn independently.
Addressing Parent Concerns
Readiness for overnight camp is a spectrum, and in many cases, going to summer camp helps strengthen and develop these skills. Here are some tips for preparing your child for overnight summer camp:
- Encourage independence at home.
- Practice sleepovers beforehand.
- Talk about the camp experience.
- Discuss the child’s worries about camp.
Catalina Sea Camp: A Supportive Environment for First-Time Campers
Catalina Sea Camp is a supportive and safe environment where children can try new things, learn about the ocean and become their best selves. We have 1-week and 2.5-week programs for kids ages 8 to 17. Our overnight summer camps for pre-teens, middle schoolers and teens offer a unique opportunity for discovery through a combination of marine science, adventure and summer camp fun.
Our friendly, expert instructors are trained as waterfront lifeguards, which means they can provide CPR/AED, first aid and emergency oxygen administration.
Over our years of experience, we have seen thousands of campers grow and foster their individual character. The positive impact of our camping experience includes the development of independence, social skills and confidence.
Ready to Give Your Kid The Opportunity of Adventure? Explore Catalina Sea Camp Today!
At Catalina Sea Camp, campers can discover the wonders of the sea while building life-long friendships. Browse through our program pages and give your child the opportunity to take the Catalina Island ferry for a fun and memorable summer experience at one of the best summer camps in California.
