A child’s first holiday camp is an exciting milestone. Yours must be counting the days until theirs!
At School of Play, we want your children to have the smoothest and most enjoyable holiday camp experience ever. Hence, we encourage parents to prepare their kids ahead of time.
Follow these steps before sending them to camp so they’ll arrive ready to embrace the fun, learnings, and adventure ahead:
Initiate a positive conversation with your child.
It is highly recommended that you have a sit-down conversation with your child before sending them to camp.
Tell them about the fun and exciting activities that await them. Ask them about what they want to do.
Do they want to play games, learn a new sport, or do arts and crafts?
If the camp has a theme, ask them if they will participate in themed challenges.
Of course, listen and address any concerns they might have.
Over the years of organising holiday camps, we have found that children might worry about being away from home, making new friends, navigating unfamiliar environments, or trying something outside their comfort zone.
You might feel uncertain about these, too, but don’t fret because we always ensure a friendly, supportive environment where your kids can thrive. Rest assured that our staff will support them every step of the way.
Involve them in packing their bags.
Review our recommended camp packing list and ask your child to help pack their bags. Packing together ensures your child brings all the essentials and knows where to find them. Teach them when to use those items, too. Tell them to change into comfortable clothing in case their camp shirt got ruined, to reapply sunscreen before they play outside, and to refill their water bottle when it’s empty.
When preparing their food, avoid packing nuts (or any food item with nuts) and chop everything into bite-sized pieces (especially grapes).
READ: Holiday Camp FAQs
Discuss proper camp etiquette and behaviour.
We adore kids with good manners. Help us teach them how to respect others and other people’s belongings and feelings. Remind them to always listen to and follow the instructions of the camp staff. Please encourage them to be open, try new activities, and meet new friends. Tell them that it’s okay not to excel at everything immediately and that the goal is to have fun and learn. Above all, teach them how to show kindness to others. It can make a big difference in their experience.
Establish a routine for camp days.
Follow a consistent routine in the days leading up to camp to help your child feel ready. Adjust their bedtime so they’re okay with waking up early. Of course, align your schedule with camp hours to ensure you’ll be there for them at the beginning and end of their big day.
Practice separation, if necessary.
Practising separation can be a helpful step for children who feel anxious about being away from home. Arrange shorter stays with relatives or playdates to ease them into spending time away. Gradual exposure can build their confidence, independence, and resilience for the camp experience.
Set Clear Expectations and Discuss Emotions
Please encourage your child to speak up about their emotions. Are they nervous, excited, or both? Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that sometimes mixed emotions are normal. Instruct them to speak to our camp staff if something bothers them during the camp. We are here to provide help and support whenever needed.
Of course, before attending the camp, set expectations about the activities and the changes in their routines. We want them well-rested and well-adjusted for the day. This will help them be on their best behaviour.
Pack a “Comfort Kit”
It could be their favourite snack, a handwritten note of encouragement on their lunch box, or a photo with a positive affirmation. It doesn’t have to be grande. Even small efforts can make a difference. It can make them feel more secure, reassured, and connected to home. They will appreciate your emotional support during camp while you’re apart.
Build excitement around the First Day.
Generate excitement by talking about the specific events planned for the first day. Mention activities like theme days, group challenges, and creative workshops to give your child something to look forward to. Share our detailed timetable of events with them to build anticipation and create a sense of familiarity.
Celebrate the day!
Camp is over, and your kids are excited to tell you about their day. Take time to celebrate your child’s achievements and experiences. Did they learn something new? Did they make new friends? What’s their favourite part of the day? Do they want to join future holiday camp adventures? Plan a special after-camp treat to celebrate and reflect on these ideas.
Their first holiday camp and the memories they’ll cherish.
Preparing for a first holiday camp is about more than just packing a bag; it’s about equipping your child with the confidence and excitement they need to thrive.
With thoughtful preparation, open communication, and plenty of encouragement, you can help ensure their camp experience is as positive and rewarding as possible. It’s not just a step into a new environment—it’s a leap toward growth, independence, and fun.
