For generations of Canadian kids, summer camp has been a rite of passage that they have enjoyed thoroughly. It has helped kids to have fun, make friends, get some exercise, learn new skills, or develop new interests. For two years, summer camps were not organized or virtually organized, and some children forgot about them or never had a taste of them. Now, the summer camps are back, and it's time to restart the fun experience.
If you are a parent
who wants their kid to feel normal at the summer camp, here are 4 simple ways a
parent can help kids have a great summer at camp.
1.
Communicate Smartly
When you write a
letter to your child at a summer camp, don't just tell them that you miss them
or how you spent your day. Instead, focus on asking what your kids' day was
like, what they did or learned, whether they made any friends, etc. Celebrate
their little achievements, help them adjust to failures, and tell them how proud
you are of them.
2.
Send Supplies
Another way to
support your kid at a summer camp is to buy all the supplies your kid might
need and ensure that they are packed properly. If your kid forgets something,
send it to the camp address after talking to the person in charge of such
matters. Some kids are so shy that they will do without key items instead of
asking for help. Don't let that happen to your kid. Talk to their counselors if
needed to tell them that your kid has forgotten something, and they will probably
help.
3.
Talk About Digital
Devices
Most summer
camps have strict policies regarding digital devices. They expect the kids to
hand over the devices for specific periods. If the summer camp your kid is
attending also has such policies, you need to talk to your kid about them and
mentally prepare them for the change. You can also set similar rules at home to
make them feel less troubled at the camp.
4.
Share About Your Kid in
Advance
Each kid is unique,
and each parent uses different methods to raise the kid. So, if possible, you
should communicate about your kid with the counselors and let them know what your
kid likes or dislikes. For instance, if your kid is shy and doesn't make
friends easily, let them know so that they can handle your kid accordingly.
Similarly, if your kid prefers a treat at the end of the day, tell them so they
can arrange the same.
Try This Camp
If you are
looking for a summer camp for your kid, you can try the camp found at the
Carousel Theatre for Young People on Granville Island. This year marks the
debut of Summer
Drag Camp. It is led by some of Vancouver's best drag artists, and here
kids from ages 7 to 17 can learn to embrace the stage and express their inner
diva.
Sources:
https://www.mountainviewtoday.ca/lifestyle-news/4-ways-parents-can-help-kids-have-a-great-summer-at-camp-5547757
https://tdn.com/lifestyles/summer-camp-parent-tips/image_50d63a8f-1cf2-5f0e-94d5-6d30605c1cbd.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/summer-camps-parental-guidance-1.6498369