Post by Ash on Dec 5, 2009 9:40:28 GMT -5
Tura, bumping your response into its own thread so it doesn't get lost. Good find!
Helping Your Child Choose a Camp
by Carleton Kendrick Ed.M., LCSW
For Ages: Six and up
Which camp will it be? Your choice should be based on the temperament, needs, and readiness of your child. A dinnertime conversation offers an ideal opportunity for you to gauge your child's camp readiness, and find out what she'd really like to do this summer.
The Words You Need
Here are some start-up questions and follow-up facts to kick off your dinnertime campfire rap:
Question: We were wondering what you wanted to do this summer. Are you interested in going to camp?
Question: If you owned a summer camp, what sorts of things would kids do there? Why would kids want to come to your camp?
Question: What would you like to do at summer camp?
Follow-Up Facts: If you have some information that match up with her interests, introduce them now.
Question: How much time would you like to spend at camp?
Follow-Up Facts: Keep unrealistic expectations in check -- now's the time to introduce your budget constraints. Camp experts suggest no more than a two-week stay for first-time overnight campers.
Question: Would you like me to find out more about different camps? Would you like to talk with kids your age who've gone to them?
Follow-Up Facts: Most overnight camps have detailed, child-friendly promotional literature and videos. Many camp directors will also provide names and numbers of their campers as references. If your child's interest in camp begins to waver, this information will help her make up her mind.
Question for Teens: Are you interested in being a counselor in training (CIT) this summer?
Follow-Up Fact: CIT's are usually 16- or 17-years-old. Some camp for free, some have part of their camp fee waived, and others receive a small stipend.
Conversation Tips
Don't over-sell camp to your child: "We know that Camp Sunset would be the perfect camp for you!" Try instead to remain neutral.
A child's level of separation anxiety plays a major role in determining her readiness for camp, especially overnight camp. If he balks or appears increasingly nervous as the camp conversation develops, take these cues and say, "If you're not ready for camp this summer, that's fine. Let's think of other ways that you can have a great summer."
And be aware of your own separation anxiety. If your child senses your sadness or anxiety about her attending camp, her decision, as well as her camp experience, will be unfairly compromised.
Beyond the Rap
You may have adored your childhood camping experience, but that does not mean that your child will share your enthusiasm. Don't make her feel that she is letting you down if she doesn't want to go.
Helping Your Child Choose a Camp
by Carleton Kendrick Ed.M., LCSW
For Ages: Six and up
Which camp will it be? Your choice should be based on the temperament, needs, and readiness of your child. A dinnertime conversation offers an ideal opportunity for you to gauge your child's camp readiness, and find out what she'd really like to do this summer.
The Words You Need
Here are some start-up questions and follow-up facts to kick off your dinnertime campfire rap:
Question: We were wondering what you wanted to do this summer. Are you interested in going to camp?
Question: If you owned a summer camp, what sorts of things would kids do there? Why would kids want to come to your camp?
Question: What would you like to do at summer camp?
Follow-Up Facts: If you have some information that match up with her interests, introduce them now.
Question: How much time would you like to spend at camp?
Follow-Up Facts: Keep unrealistic expectations in check -- now's the time to introduce your budget constraints. Camp experts suggest no more than a two-week stay for first-time overnight campers.
Question: Would you like me to find out more about different camps? Would you like to talk with kids your age who've gone to them?
Follow-Up Facts: Most overnight camps have detailed, child-friendly promotional literature and videos. Many camp directors will also provide names and numbers of their campers as references. If your child's interest in camp begins to waver, this information will help her make up her mind.
Question for Teens: Are you interested in being a counselor in training (CIT) this summer?
Follow-Up Fact: CIT's are usually 16- or 17-years-old. Some camp for free, some have part of their camp fee waived, and others receive a small stipend.
Conversation Tips
Don't over-sell camp to your child: "We know that Camp Sunset would be the perfect camp for you!" Try instead to remain neutral.
A child's level of separation anxiety plays a major role in determining her readiness for camp, especially overnight camp. If he balks or appears increasingly nervous as the camp conversation develops, take these cues and say, "If you're not ready for camp this summer, that's fine. Let's think of other ways that you can have a great summer."
And be aware of your own separation anxiety. If your child senses your sadness or anxiety about her attending camp, her decision, as well as her camp experience, will be unfairly compromised.
Beyond the Rap
You may have adored your childhood camping experience, but that does not mean that your child will share your enthusiasm. Don't make her feel that she is letting you down if she doesn't want to go.
