Preparing Parents for Summer Camp

Parents are usually less prepared for summer camp than their sons.

Parents concentrate on preparing children for summer camp but may be unaware how much they will miss and worry about their child. They may feel uncomfortable turning over full-time care to people they have just gotten to know. They worry about what kind of food he’ll be eating, who will be looking after daily concerns like clean clothes and taking a shower, if the other boys will tease him. What happens if he just doesn’t like camp? Can he call home or can his parents call him?

I can see this anxiety in parents of Scouts headed to camp for the first time. Many of them find the experience more difficult than their sons ever will. They usually don’t find a whole lot of solace in the first letter home either; it may sound pretty miserable. How can Scout leaders help parents prepare for how they are going to feel once they have dropped their sons off and return home for a very quiet week?

Being separated from a child for this length of time is a new challenge for every parent even though many others have gone through it before.

Acknowledge that this causes most parents at least some distress; it’s a normal part of growing up, it’s temporary and you will feel better. Most Scouts will encounter some homesickness and some ups and downs.

Understand that his fellow Scouts, adult leaders and camp staff are all working hard to make this a positive experience. It is a measured challenge that Scouts overcome year after year. We expect some homesickness and other difficulties and are prepared to deal with them. They are part of a healthy process of growing up that all Scouts encounter in one way or another. As you prepare your Scout for camp prepare yourself too: Think positively.

Scouts typically thrive at summer camp and return home happy.

Instead of discussing your worries or how much you will miss him talk about the new experiences your Scout will have. Ask all the questions you like; there are no silly questions (really!). It is always better to ask than to worry.

Understand and respect the way we will be communicating with home while we are at camp.

Understand and respect the rules and times for dropping off, picking up and visiting camp. Plan something interesting or special to do while your son is at camp.