Preparing

SPRING INFORMATION FORMS FOR YOUR CAMPER

Each Spring, families are required to complete an online form that addresses the following:

Health History, Camper Behaviour Contract, Clothing Order, and Swim History

Some parents hesitate to provide us with personal information about their child’s behaviour or past experiences. Some fear the information may be misused, while others are concerned about their child being labelled, singled out, or treated differently. All parents want to see their child have a strong fresh start at camp, unencumbered by past problems. As seasoned camp directors, we appreciate these concerns. We also know how invaluable such information can be in assisting us to help your child make as smooth and happy an adjustment to camp as possible – something we know all parents want for their children! Having prior knowledge about a learning difficulty, bed-wetting problem, or recent loss or major change in the family, makes a tremendous difference in helping us to be sensitive to your child’s need for patience, understanding and reassurance – especially in the first few days of camp. Because children often use their behaviour rather than their words to communicate something is bothering them, having advance knowledge of areas that might be difficult for your child, helps us understand the message in his or her actions. The better we understand your child, the more we can assure you of a better summer for him or her. Our commitment is to use such information only to help your child adjust at camp with the greatest of discretion. If there is anything we should know about your child, please do not hesitate to send us additional notes. We encourage you to make us a full partner in planning for your child’s summer. Reprinted and adapted with permission from Bob Ditter.

HEALTH HISTORY Help us make certain that we have the best and most up to date health information concerning your camper. Even if your camper is perfectly healthy, we need to have that information on file so that we know how to respond to any immediate need without hesitation. During the year, we recommend that you keep accurate records of vaccinations and medications and the dates they were given to your child. Also, please record any pertinent information shared with you by your family physician at each visit. With this information, please complete the enclosed Health History Card. If there is a change in the health status of your child after you send us your form, you must notify us in writing at that time.

CABIN GROUPING We have always felt that one of the greatest benefits of camping is the development of good social skills. When campers are supported by their parents and camp staff, camp can offer an opportunity for campers to learn how to be accepted as part of a group. Although we do not encourage grouping requests, we will consider them. Parents should be aware that there are a number of issues that affect our ability to accommodate these requests. It is for these reasons that we ask parents to consider the following carefully before influencing the grouping process:

1. Being grouped with friends may sometimes create more anxieties than they alleviate.
2. Requests (and disrequests!) should be made by the families of both campers, in writing, either on the application form or on a separate note.
3. Cabin groups have a maximum size and as a result, we may have to limit the number of requests for any one group.
4. When friendships interfere with the success of group relations, we will need to work with families as a team to make appropriate changes.
5. Of course, if at any time a camper has difficulty adjusting to camp or to the group, it is our policy to partner with parents in resolving any issues as quickly and effectively as possible. Parents’ requests are a part of the puzzle. Only when campers arrive at camp are our final groups completed. Please recognize that although we collect requests, we do not (and sometimes cannot) always accommodate them. Although we can make guarantees about spaces available in each unit, we cannot guarantee cabin grouping at any time. We are thankful for your registration and the trust you have placed in us to do everything possible to assist your camper in enjoying his/her camp experience. As you know from our application, we have not accepted registrations that are contingent on cabin grouping requests.

RELUCTANT OR FIRST TIME CAMPERS As the summer approaches and our campers prepare themselves for camp, a few may experience a great deal of apprehension. For them, a new or changing environment, meeting new friends, adjusting to a new counsellor, and travelling on a strange bus may be the cause for some discomfort. However, as you know, children’s feelings are often complex, and may often represent other uncommunicated problems. Please don’t panic if you hear the words, “I don’t want to go!” or “I won’t go!” With care and a positive exposure to camp, apprehension disappears quickly in most cases. Here are some tips on preparing your campers for camp:

1. Talk about homesickness: Discussing homesickness does not make it happen. On the contrary, it reassures children that homesickness is a normal process. Focusing the discussion on ways to cope with these feelings, can give your camper a sense of control over the situation when it arises. Just knowing that it is a normal feeling and that they have the power to deal with it can make all the difference.
2. Plan for camp together: Make sure that your child knows when camp starts, how long the session is and how they are getting home.
3. Put the time spent at camp into perspective: Younger children have difficulty conceptualizing time. Compare the session length to another time the child has experienced (i.e. winter vacation).
4. Keep doubts to yourself: Make sure your child knows that you are confident that they will have a great time and that you trust the camp you have chosen.
5. Practice: Organize some time away from home. Try to simulate the camp experience as much as possible, i.e. when it comes to communicating; write a letter and avoid talking on the phone. After the visit, follow up with some discussion about how they felt, how they coped, and what would make it easier for next time.
6. Send letters before camp: Letters are a great way for campers to feel connected to home. Sending a letter early, ensures that your camper will receive a letter on the first day of camp and help to ease the initial transition.
7. Do not make deals about early pick-ups: Set your child up for a successful experience by setting the expectation that they will stay at camp for the entire session. If a camper knows that their parents will come to pick them up when things get difficult, they are not motivated to develop their independence and cope with some bumps along the way. (Excerpts taken from The Summer Camp Handbook written by: Christopher A.  Thurber, PhD and Jon C. Malinowski, PhD. available from amazon.com)

RELUCTANT OR FIRST TIME PARENTS may find the following articles helpful:

How to Help Your Child Have a Great Time at Camp

Letting Go