Thursday, 6 September, 2018 - 00:00
Category: 
Activities

School Camps are an important stepping-stone for children to stretch their wings and explore and learn beyond their home, school and neighbourhood. But it’s normal for children to feel a little anxious before their first school camp – particularly if it’s their first time away from home.

This guide has been designed to help teachers and parents get kids ‘school camp ready’.
School Camp – particularly a child’s first camp – is an important rite of passage. However, excitement can soon give way to anxious thoughts as children contemplate a few days away from home.

Who will they share a dormitory or tent with? What happens if they don’t get teamed with their ‘bestie’? Can they ring home if they feel homesick? Will they like the food on offer?

School camps are quite different from sleepovers as children are likely to be away from home for a couple of nights – as opposed to a single night – and mum or dad might be a fair distance away. Children may also be sleeping in a dormitory or tent for the first time, and experience noises in the night – both from the sound of others sleeping, or from birds or wildlife outside their sleeping
quarters - that they’re not used to!

It’s not surprising, then, that even the most confident of children may experience a pang of separation anxiety as camp day draws nearer.

However, with a little bit of preparation teachers and parents can help children prepare for their school camp, to give them a greater chance of settling in quickly and enjoying the camp experience.

Prepare early

Schools generally give parents and care givers good notice of school camp – so take advantage of it by talking to your child as soon as you know camp is coming. Ask them how they feel about the upcoming camp. Are they excited about it? Are they worried about anything? By talking to your child you may be able to learn their fears and thoughts – and offer tips, strategies and reassurance to help them overcome any concerns.

QUICK TIP Google the camp your child will be attending so they can see for themselves what it looks like. Point out important points of interest, such as dormitories and the ‘camp kitchen’.

Reduce the sense of unknown
Ask the teacher if you can have a rough schedule of the camp and the activities your child will be undertaking.

This helps children – particularly younger children - understand that their camp stay has a beginning, middle and end. It also helps children adjust to the idea of new activities and challenges.

Have practise sleepovers in the lead-up to camp
If your child has never had a sleepover, now is the time to practise! Start with a sleep over with a family member if possible and then try one with a friend. Getting used to being away from the familiarities of ‘home’ will help prepare children for camp.

QUICK TIP Sometimes, packing a favourite soft toy from home can help ease anxious thoughts. The toy can be placed at the bottom of a sleeping bag, so your child has the comfort of knowing it’s there – without having to let the rest of the camp know!

Brush up on practical skills
Can your child brush their teeth without your supervision? Do they know when having a shower to put the cold tap on first, before adding hot water? Can they tie their own shoe laces? By practising simple everyday skills at home in the weeks leading up to camp, you can give your child a sense of independence and achievement – and ensure they can be as independent as possible on camp.

Be realistic
Like life, camp is bound to have its ups and downs – not every moment on camp will be awesome. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs they may experience and help them develop strategies to overcome the potential ‘down’ times.

Get ready together
As the school camp draws nearer, look at the list of required and optional items for camp provided by your child’s school. Go shopping together to buy any items you need, and get your child to help with labelling clothes, torches, water bottles etc. Encourage your child to help with the packing, too. Not only will this help them know where items are in their bag, but it may also prompt them to bring everything home again!

Communicate with school staff
Your child’s school will most likely have taken hundreds of children on the same camp your child is attending. So talk to them about any concerns or questions you may have. They understand that camp can be a daunting prospect not only for children, but their parents as well.

QUICK TIP Ensure kids get a good sleep the night before camp. Being well rested and refreshed will help them deal better with any challenges ahead.

School camps are a great opportunity for children to reach outside their comfort zone, discover new friends and experience outdoor adventures first hand. Parents and teachers have an important role to play in helping them to be prepared physically, emotionally and practically.

School camps are a great opportunity for children to reach outside their comfort zone, discover new friends and experience outdoor adventures first hand.