Am I Ready to Send My Child to Overnight Camp?

As the van pulled away, I wanted nothing more than to change my mind. I wanted to pull my kids back to me, bring them home and keep them with me forever. Instead, I stood there watching them go, watching until the van was out of sight, watching just a few minutes longer as my eyes filled with the tears I had been holding back all morning. I didn’t want them to go — almost as much as I wanted them to go.

Determining when kids are ready for overnight camp is a fairly concrete process, even if it involves a bit of a learning curve.

• Do they want to go? Are they excited?
• Are they comfortable sleeping away from home?
• Have you set up things to make them more comfortable?

However, knowing when we, as parents, are ready for our kids to go to overnight camp is rarely talked about.

While we can do all the research, find the perfect camp and understand the amazing opportunities overnight camp gives our kids, there are things to consider before watching that van drive away.

1. How do I feel about it? Excited? Nervous? Ready? No matter how you feel, you will probably never truly be ready. That’s the reality of parenting kids as they grow up. There will always be the feeling deep inside of you to hold on to them, even when you know you need to let go. It isn’t easy for anyone, but recognizing it helps.
2. Do I feel they will be safe? The safety of your kids is always one of your top priorities. Sending them to overnight camp, for one night, one week or a whole summer is a big decision. Take time to learn about the camp. Find out about the people working with the kids. Questions about requirements for lifeguards and background checks are completely appropriate, and reputable camps will not be offended by any of these. Understanding the camp, how it works, and the people responsible during that time will help you decide how comfortable you are entrusting them with your child.
3. Am I excited about the opportunities they will have? If you are going to make peace with the struggle of letting them go, it is key to know why you are sending them in the first place. Will they be able to have tons of outdoor time to play? Will your science lover get to do experiments every day? Will your artist have a full week of creating? Knowing the benefits of the camp and how it will help your child grow, develop friendships, learn and foster independence will help when you are missing them.
4. What is the emergency plan? Part of protecting our kids is being aware of the dangers. The idea of not being there if something goes wrong can be hard and may even hold some parents back from sending kids to camp. From simple homesickness to an injury, think about how you would handle the situation if it arises. While it isn’t comfortable to think about, understanding the camp protocols as well as how you would make yourself available and get to your child will help you feel ready.
5. How will I know what’s happening? Camps are full of ways to connect. While most don’t allow phone communication, many have fun ways to stay connected. Camps today have opportunities to send emails or texts, or even see daily pictures of your child at camp. Know the ways you can stay aware of your child’s experience. It will help you feel connected each day.

If you are uncertain about any of these aspects, look into them, get more information. Explore different camp options, such as how far a camp is from your home and how many days each will run. If you are struggling, start with a camp closer to home or choose one that has a shorter time frame. If you are feeling more confident, explore longer options or out-of-state possibilities. Sending kids with a sibling or friend is a great way to have some peace of mind, and talking to families that have sent their kids to a camp you are considering will give you more insight than just the information given on the camp website. Decide what you are comfortable with and go from there.

While it is important to determine if your child is ready to go to camp, it is equally important to know whether you are ready to send them. Thinking about these questions will help you decide whether the two of you are up for this big adventure.