Five Tips for First Time Parents
As we gear up for this summer, we know the new families that are joining us are starting to get first year jitters. To relieve some of that stress we had some of our alumni and seasoned parents write down some things they wished they had known.
1.The “Roll Up” Method
“For younger campers, put a t-shirt rolled up with shorts for each day- Keep clothes for special activities labeled in gallon bags.”
This is a great way to pack your kids for the summer. Not only does it help kids who may be getting dressed on their own for the first time, but it also helps out counselors.
2.The Magic of Mail Call
“Send your kids lots of fun packages, and send them snacks for the session.”
Mail call is such a fun part of the day, when kids hear their names called it lights up their whole face. Sending packages is a fun way for campers to connect with home while they’re away. It is also a great opportunity to send those fun, old school games like Mad-Libs, when the campers have down time.
3.If You Love It, Label It
“Label every single thing, unless you’re okay not having it return home.”
This may seem a bit daunting, but it is truly a good piece of advice. It may be coming off as “your kids are going to lose everything you send with them,” but it is more like “it is so easy for clothes, towels, etc to get mixed up, this way if it ends up in the wrong trunk on closing day, you know who to send it to.” This is true for all age groups! Younger kids may be confused about what belongs to them, while older campers often follow the same trends, making their things look identical.
4.Stay Connected with Bunk Notes
“Always write bunk notes, the campers truly look forward to them.”
Much like packages, getting a Bunk Note can really brighten up campers. If they’re feeling homesick it’s a good way for them to hear from their friends and families. It is also a good way for you to hear from them. When I was a camper I always forgot to write my parents back, but with Bunk Notes, counselors know who got a reply sheet and needs to write back.
5.Beat the Heat
“It’s hot so make sure you have a good battery powered fan!”
“Bring lots of extra batteries just in case and some snacks, books, and things for rest time.”
These two tips go hand in hand. While there are two industrial sized fans in each cabin, it is nice to have a personal sized one that campers can keep close to them for a quicker cool down. A lot of campers tend to sleep with their fan on so it is best to send extra batteries just in case it dies. Also, sending books and different entertainment for rest period is a really good idea especially for younger kids, who don’t think they need a nap.
We know it is stressful sending your kids off to camp for the first time, but we are here to help you through that process. To find more information about getting ready for camp look at the “Preparing For Camp” section on our website.