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.

Summer Camp: A Grand Adventure

If you have ever been to summer camp, you know what a grand adventure it can be. From being able to spend a week away from home to staying up late with your friends to running around with only a few rules to eating, it's a delicious yet not very healthy camp food to having smores and singing camp songs, it is one of the best experiences that a child can have. Not to mention all of the lasting friendships you make during your summers at camp; there truly is nothing like it.

It was always one of the most anticipated events of the entire summer. You would count down the days until school was let out so you could pack your bags and head off into what was seemingly the unknown. You never quite knew what awaited you at summer camp. Of course, you had an idea based on past years, but that could all change instantly depending on what cabin, counselor, or camp meets you had in your group. Would you get the stern, by-the-book counselor, or would you have to find ways to bend the rules and sneak out at night? Or would you have a cool counselor who would let you get away with almost anything and join you in the shenanigans?

And what about your cabin mates? Were they going to be relaxed and easygoing? Or will they be uptight and need to be taught to have fun? It was always a mystery leading up to camp, but that made the anticipation even better.

Packing for camp was almost an adventure within itself. Of course, you would have your mom trying to tell you what you "needed" to bring to camp, but you knew better. However, you wanted to avoid World War Three, so you would carefully sneak the extra comic books and snacks into your bag after your mom had packed and left the room. And, of course, you had to bring your trading cards to show your friends what you had collected during the year.

And finally, the day would arrive when it was time for you to go to camp. You would load up into your car, excited for the journey ahead. You would constantly bug your mom, asking, "Are we there yet?" And much to your dismay, she would answer no with almost an annoyance in her voice. But at last, you would see the sign for your summer camp in the distance, and as it came nearer, your anticipation grew to where you couldn't even sit still. When your mom parked the car, you would jump out and run to find your friends. You would laugh and joke and talk excitedly about all your plans for the week.

Your mom would then come and find you and let you know what cabin you're in, and finally, the mystery would be revealed. Truthfully, you didn't care; you were just so excited to be there and for all the adventures that awaited you. Excitedly run to your cabin and throw your stuff on the nearest bunk, and then you race to the dining hall to get in line for the first fantastic meal of your week.

You would wrap up that first night at camp with songs around a fire, sitting next to your friends, and having the time of your life before you would walk back to your cabin to lay your head on your pillow and drift off to sleep, dreaming of all the adventures that were to come.