Get Your Child Ready for Summer Camp: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Preparing your child for summer camp is an important step in making sure they have a safe, fun, and enriching experience. The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is sharing these tips to help you and your child feel camp ready, more comfortable in a new environment, and less anxious about the transition.

How to Prepare for Camp

Talk to your child about their feelings, worries and validate their emotions.

• Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous before a new experience.
• Share positive stories about camp or remind them of times they successfully tried something new.

Practice independence skills, especially if they are going to overnight camp

• Help them practice skills like making their bed or choosing outfits.

• Encourage them to order their own food at restaurants or ask for help when needed.

Focus on the fun and the exciting activities they’ll get to try.

• Find a camp buddy if they know someone else attending.

• Remind them that counselors are there to help if they feel homesick.

Stay positive, encourage growth and how proud you are of them for trying something new.

• Remind them that they’ll gain new skills, make friends, and have stories to share.

How to Make a Friend

If your child is participating in camp for the first time or is a returning camper, the importance of making friends and fitting in is an important part of the camp experience. Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when talking about camp and making friends in a new environment.

Reassure them that they're not alone, many kids feel the same way.

• Remind them that camp is designed to help kids make friends through fun activities.

• Encourage a positive mindset—making friends is about being friendly, not perfect.

Practice “conversation starters” role-play introductions and ways to join group activities.

• "Hi, I’m [Name]! What’s your favorite camp activity?"
• "Have you ever been to camp before?"

Encourage small acts of friendliness.

• Smile, make eye contact, be a good listener and be curious, ask questions.

• Offer to share or help—it’s an easy way to bond with new friends.

Remind them that friendships take time. They don’t need to be best friends with everyone on the first day.

• Encourage patience and keeping an open mind about different personalities.

• If one group isn’t a good fit, remind them there are plenty of other campers to meet.

Teach them how to handle shyness or awkward moments.

• If they feel nervous, taking a deep breath and smiling can help.

• If they don’t click with someone, they can always try talking to someone else.

Encourage a friendly & inclusive attitude.

• Remind them to be kind and include others who may also be feeling nervous.

• Complimenting someone’s cool T-shirt or skills can be a great icebreaker.

How to Try New Things

Camp provides opportunities for children to move out of their comfort zone but that is not always easy. Here are a few helpful hints that can help those children that might be hesitant and need encouragement.

Bravery doesn’t mean they aren’t scared; it means they try anyway.

Normalize feelings of nervousness when trying new things.

• Share a time when you tried something new and how it turned out.

• Reassure them that camp is a safe place to explore and have fun.

Focus on the fun, not perfection - they just have to try.

• Encourage a “just give it a shot” mindset rather than worrying about doing it right.

• Talk about how new experiences can lead to fun surprises.

Take small steps to build confidence.

• If they’re nervous about an activity, suggest watching it first before joining in.

• Remind them that counselors and friends will be there to help.

Use positive self-talk with phrases like:

• “I can do this!”

• “It’s okay if I’m not great at it the first time.”

• “Trying something new helps me grow!”

• Help them reframe fear as excitement—"I feel nervous, but that means I’m being brave!"

Remind them it is okay to ask for help if they feel unsure.

• Let them know that mistakes and learning are part of the adventure.

• Assure them that others may feel the same way, and they’re not alone.

Celebrate their efforts of being courageous

• Focus on their effort rather than the outcome.

• Plan a fun chat after camp where they can share what they tried and how it felt.

Give them a "Bravery Challenge"

• Ask them to pick one new thing they want to try each day.

• Create a small reward system (like telling them they get a high-five or special treat when they get home for being brave).

With encouragement, preparation, and open conversation, camp can become a positive and rewarding experience for both children and families. A little support at home can help children feel more confident, build new friendships, and feel ready to try new things. At the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, camp is more than a summer activity. It is an opportunity for children to grow, gain independence, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment. As camp approaches, remember that every small step you take now can help your child feel ready for a season of discovery, connection, and fun.