Everything You Need to Know About Summer Camp

 Summer camp is a staple in a child's life. It was the one thing that they looked forward to the most during the school year. They would count down the days until the final bell rang to let them out into the open air to be free for an entire summer. They would race home only to pester their parents about when the blessed event of summer camp would be, and then go off to have an adventure that would make memories that would last a lifetime and have them in anticipation for the following year. 

However, not every kid was so lucky. Some never got to have the grand adventure of camp. Maybe this wasn't because it wasn't in the budget, it didn't work with the family's busy summer schedule, or perhaps even because parents weren't comfortable sending their child off for a week with strangers. Whatever the reason, some kids, maybe even yourself, missed out. But now things have changed, and it's either your time or your child's to be able to go to summer camp finally. Unfortunately, because of your lack of experience, you aren't quite sure what to expect. So, let us fill you in. 

First, you must ensure you are selecting the correct type of camp for you or your child. If you are a kid getting to go for the first time, it's a good idea to ensure your parents are included in finding the right camp. If you are a parent looking for a camp for your child, including them in the conversation is still a good idea to ensure their interests align with the camp you choose. Whether this be a sports camp, a traditional summer camp, a Christian camp, a music camp, a science camp, or whatever camp you choose, you want to make sure that it's the right choice. 

After you have selected the proper camp, you need to focus on the correct packing list. Camps often provide a need-to-pack list to make it easier to know what to bring for your camper. However, some everyday staples include plenty of underwear, shirts, a warm sweatshirt, socks, a little cash for the snack stand, a good pair of shoes, and some nonperishable snacks they can keep in their cabin.

You also want to make the campground aware of your child's allergies or sensitivities. This is so that they can receive the proper care in the unlikely event that your child would be exposed to an allergen. It may be worthwhile to reach out and see which cabin your child has been assigned to so you can talk with the counselor about anything they need to be made aware of.

Talking to your child about simple safety matters would also be beneficial. For instance, if they start feeling sick or don't know where to go and who to talk to ensure they get the help they need, It would also be helpful to let them know that you want them to have a good time while they are there, even if that means that they get to bend a few rules they usually don't get to at home, for example, staying up a little later than usual, getting to eat that candy bar, or having more than one milkshake in a day.

But the most important thing to expect at summer camp for you or your child, if you are a parent, is to have an amazing time and a grand adventure.