Taking a daughter to camp, especially the very first time, can be as exciting and worrying for the parent as it is for the camper. The key to a successful drop off on the first day of camp is to ensure both your and your child's needs are met in the transition. For your child, she needs to integrate with her peers and make a connection to camp life so she has a focal point other than the goodbye. Whether your child is clingy or independent, you need to balance giving her space and support to make that camp connection. Your child can sense if you are distressed about leaving her, so it's also important for you to assure yourself that your child is in good hands.
A few tips for balancing your needs and your child's needs on the first day of camp:
- Meet her counselors— learn their names.
- Meet any cabin-mates who are around.
- Introduce yourself to other parents—this gives your daughter time to connect with her peers on her own.
- Help your daughter arrange a few items—maybe a photo she has brought from home, a jacket or laundry bag hung up. This setting up is truly more for the parent than the child. A parent wants to visualize her daughter’s space. For a camper, setting up is just a transitional pause before merging into camp life.
- Well run camps will have transitional activities for the arriving campers whether they head directly to a meal, an activity or gather for a craft. When it’s time for her to integrate into the flow, let her go. No need to fuss over how the pillow is arranged on her bed or whether her flashlight in conveniently located.
- Leave a card and small gift—a book, card game, activity book—for her on her bunk as a surprise when she returns to her cabin.
- Say goodbye quickly, don’t linger. Once you have said goodbye, it is time for you to leave.
- Smile as you depart—you want your daughter to think of you as happy that she’s at camp.
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