Camper Experience Share
Dropping your child off to summer camp for the first time can be overwhelming for both parents and campers. There are a lot of emotions and truthfully a lot of uncertainty as well. Our heart at Huawni is for everyone to leave our gates feeling known and loved and a part of the Huawni family. We recently got to sit down and ask a first time camper parent about their experience last summer at camp and we wanted to share their experience with you all!
Tell me more about your camper’s experience at Camp Huawni? My camper had an absolute blast at Camp Huawni and it was a huge step in building her confidence. A huge part of her camp story was overcoming anxiety. Despite this challenge, she came home with stories of bonding, laughter and trying new things.
While your daughter was at camp and soon after she came home, what did you notice in her? How did you see her grow? She had a new confidence in her ability to face her fears. She was genuinely proud of herself for being away on her own and was already excited about going back this summer.
This year (post camp) how have you seen your camper grow and what (if anything) do you contribute to her time at Huawni. She has had a year of incredible growth at school and in activities. She is much more comfortable seeking advice from adults. She also started a new school in the fall. Her Camp Huawni experience helped her with her self-talk. She was able to tell herself she’s done something like this before and it was a great experience. I believe her school transition would have been more difficult if she hadn’t gone to Camp Huawni.
What would you say to parents whose kids are experiencing anxiety in regards to thinking about sending them to Huawni? If they send them to Camp, what advice do you have to brace them for a tougher onset but long-term pay off? Our children need this independent, simple fun experience more than ever. The past two years, our children have been taught to fear, rather than take risks. They have been kept at home and missed important social interactions. They have also had more screen time and been exposed to more stress (not only their stress, but stress of their parents, teachers, etc). My advice to parents who aren’t sure if their child is ready is to just go for it. Trust in the type of summer fun activities and traditions that have been creating growth and memories for decades. If you are going to send your child away, Camp Huawni is the absolute best option. You are paying for the incredible staff and the very attractive camper to staff ratio. I would not have been comfortable sending an anxious child to a camp where she would not have access to the emotional support she needed.
Are you ready to take the leap and nudge your kids to healthy independence? Take a look at how Camp Huawni creates the space for true growth to happen see the Huawni Magic! We pride ourselves too on creating a safe and wholesome environment where your kids can take safe risks, look up to extraordinary counselors, and be led by a seasoned directing staff (50+ years of directing at camp!) who are all in for your camper having the summer of a lifetime. Take courage. Soak up the ride to Camp, be excited about seeing the joy and growth on their faces when you pick them back up! Sign Up for Camp NOW!