Ready for Camp

Sharing Personal Information about Your Child with Summer Camp Professionals

Bob Ditter shares directly with parents about the importance of honest communication with camps. In this video, he covers:

• Strengthening the partnership between parents and camp professionals
• Taking steps to make the adjustment to camp as smooth and successful as possible
• Campers on medication at camp, and why it's important to share medication information
• Children with ADHD at camp
• Working with your physician and camp for the best outcome

Bob Ditter is a child, adolescent, and family therapist in Boston, Massachusetts. He consults with youth agencies throughout the United States, including the American Camp Association (ACA), Girl Scouts of the USA, YMCA, Salvation Army, JCCA, and many others. He has visited over 500 camps in the United States, writes for Camping Magazine, the official publication of American Camp Association, and has authored many books and training videos for camp professionals.

Watch Bob Ditter's Ready for Camp video.

You can help your child get excited about camp by doing the following:
- Ask them if they have any questions or concerns about camp.  If you need additional information to help answer, please call the camp office.  Having answers about what to expect will help your child feel more comfortable.
- Do not mention the word “homesickness”.  Sometimes children experience this because they anticipated they would.  Instead, empower your child by being positive about their ability to be away from home. 
- Emphasize the exciting things they will be experiencing rather than focusing on fears.
- Remind them that there will be no phone calls between you.  Prepare them to write letters by sending pre-stamped and written envelopes, paper and pen. 
- Ensure them that you will communicate either through email or letters, and then follow through.  It will make their day!
- Discuss what they should do if they have a problem at camp.  Encourage them to talk with their cabin leader when they have a concern, or to ask to see the health care specialist.
- Remind them that you will miss them, but you are excited for this opportunity.  Some children become homesick because they worry about how their parents are doing without them! 
- Pack a few familiar items for your camper to decorate his/her bunk space.  Pictures, notes, stuffed animals or a favorite blanket help to make camp feel like home.
- You know your child best!  Please anticipate any problems and share your concerns with the cabin leader so that they may be prepared.