Is My Child Ready for Camp?

Is your child ready for camp? That's a question we get a lot. 

There is no one better to answer that question than you - the parent.  You know your child better than anyone else.  While there are some indicators to look for, there is not a simple checklist to help you make the decision. 

However, there are a few questions to ask yourself to help determine whether or not your child is ready. They are:

Is your child asking to go to camp or are you making the decision for them? 

If your child is asking to go to camp, there is a good chance that they are ready.  They probably have already thought through the fact that they will not be at home, or see you for a week.  If you desire a camp experience for them but they are not asking, you should at least discuss it with them and bring them into the decision-making process.  It may help them get excited or own the decision a little more.

Have they ever stayed away from home overnight?  If so, how did that go? 

If you child has been away from home overnight and lasted the entire time, he/she could possibly handle 6 nights. If they have never been away before, it may be difficult for them at camp.  I would suggest doing a trial run at a relative or friend’s house to see how they do and give them some practice.

Forest Springs also offers a 3-day camp, called Kids’ Quest. It’s open to campers in 2nd through 5th grade, and it’s a great warm up to our 6-day camps. You can learn more about that here

How well does your child make new friends or handle social situations? 

They will be placed in a setting where they will interact with lots of other kids their age on a daily basis.  If they are okay with making new friends or interacting with kids, they might be ready. Keep in mind that there will be plenty of camp counselors on hand to help your child ease into interacting with other campers. If your child struggles with making new friends, the best thing for them to do is bring a friend or two with them to camp.  Camp is better with friends for a child who is nervous about being away from home.

Our counselors and staff members are well-trained in helping your child adjust to their new setting at camp.  Besides learning about the Lord while at camp and learning new activities and physical skills, they will also learn responsibility. They will learn how to do things independently from their parents, and also learn how to live in and be part of a temporary community.  Camp is more than just fun and games.  A week at camp gives them training that they can use in their personal relationship with Lord, and also back in their home environments.  

Are YOU ready for them to be gone for a week? 

Many parents, without even knowing it, make it hard for their kids to let go and attend camp. Some parents give out the vibe that mom/dad is going to struggle with their child being gone.  If you are nervous about bringing them to camp, there is a good chance that they will be nervous about coming to camp.  Stay positive about their time at camp.

Will my child be safe at camp?

As a parent, you should always investigate how a camp hires and trains its staff, and addresses issues like bullying. We take camper safety very seriously, and address it in greater detail here.

During their time at camp, I believe that your child will grow in ways that you’ve never expected. I also believe that this experience is vital to their overall growth.  We are passionate about camp and your child’s safety and I would love to answer any questions you may have. Leave your question in the comment section below, or call me anytime at 715-427-5241.  

Are you ready to register your child for summer youth camp at Forest Springs? Register online today! 


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