Camping Out Ideas

Any mama have any tips about sending your 7 uear old off to camp for the first time??

my daughter is off to camp in a few weeks, and good tips, could help us.. This is our first time!!peAce

Public Comments

1. plenty snacks and paper to write on. but its kind of late for camp
2. pack extra clothes especily if he is 7 tell her to make friends sned letter to her (maybe some cookies)
3. send him thru a drug awareness class because statistics say that 47% of children have theyre first drug experience at camp
4. Send a note a few days ahead of her starting camp, so she has something from you the day after she arrives. Keep it light and cheery - "we want you to have a great time at camp, make friends and have fun". Depending on how long the session, you can send a couple of these. DON'T go on and on about how much you miss her, but encourage her to have fun and enjoy herself, and that you can't wait to hear all about it when she gets home!
5. Pack stamped addressed post cards for your baby to write home, use your address, gramma's, etc. Pack small boxes with snacks, small gifts, etc. Take them with you when you drop her off at camp. But give the small boxes to a counselor or office with instructions to distribute one each day to your child as "mail". Send a disposable camera so she can snap pictures of all her new friends. My daughter did not want to come home after her first camp experience! In fact, she cried when I picked her up! Don't be blue, you want her to have fun, not sitting in a corner missing you! Camp is a wonderful experience for all kids. My girl went every year, and now she is a bright and independent college student.
6. Hi, well, I'm not a mom yet but I was a camper at one point. I guess it depends on how sensitive your kid is. I know, for me, getting packages from home (before I left and after) was really important to me. My mom and dad used to hide letters and care packages in my bag. I always smiled when I found them. Made me feel loved still , you know. And then at camp it was important to get letters. Remember the delay though, you send a letter it may take a few days to get to the camp. Can't hurt, either, sending a letter a day or two before you even send your 7-year-old. Of course, practically speaking, warm clothes, cool clothes, bug spray. I don't know how likely a 7-year-old is to spray themselves. Just try to remember what it was like when you were 7 and what you would want at camp. Look at the activities they will be partaking in and think of good things for them to take. If they're doing a creek walk maybe some hard soled water shoes. Kids are easy though, I cared more about the care packages and letters (pics too .. if you have pets you could even have the pet send a letter) then what i physically had with me. Expect for you daughter to get homesick. Especially since this is her first time. When you get to the camp, if she doesn't know anyone, try introducing her to a kid that she might have things in common with. If she's shy, look for a fellow shy person. Something familiar and comforting will help. just my two cents for you.
7. thats's great!! 1-a small toy 2-a couple snacks 3- any camp requirements 4-lots of love!!
8. I know when I was a kid my parents used to send goody boxes and in the night some one or the councellors or a bunch of kids stole what I received. Therefore I would give her a lock and key for her suitcase. I think a phone card so she could phone home especially if she is the dependent type. Give her a camera to bring back memories. Definetly bug spray with deet ingredient. Teach her about if a stranger trys to touch her in private places. I hope it doesn't happen but there is a chance. Lots of towels for swimming. raincoat for lousy days of rain and boots. Foot thongs to have a shower in and to go to the beach in. Pen paper to write letters. Some money for the candy/grocery store. flashlight. possibly some books with a night light book clip in case she has trouble relaxing to sleep. decent looking clothes so she isn't judged or teased. the list is endless.
9. I used to work with 7 year olds at a camp and the best thing you can do is make sure they have means of getting in touch with you when they feel scared or alone. You know your child best, therefore make sure she has things that will comfort her when she away from you. Make sure she understands the rules of the camp and encourage her to seek out a friend while she's there.
10. Let her keep a journal to write down what she does and write a letter to her while she's in camp.
11. I am not a mom but I just got home from 3 weeks of summer camp. here is a list of some things to take. >EXTRA clothes are always useful, I never had enough because it is so easy to get them wet or to get mud on them. >flashlight and extra battery's. >sleeping bag >pillow >card games for a rainy day (uno, blink, swap are a few favorites) >swimming trunks (2 pairs) >extra backpack to carry things around camp >shower shoes (the shower floors are nasty sometimes) >towels (3) >blanket >book >extra money for snacks, drinks, crafts and stuff >camera >extra shoes >bible (for church camp... ) >pocket knife (IF the camp will allow it. I go to the mountains and some times you need one) >hat >bag for dirty clothes things NOT to take >cd/ipod/radio player >laptop computer (I did once, it did not get stolen but most camps tell you not to bring them) >game boy/psp >legos/games with lots of pieces >cap guns (I made that mistake one year) >any thing you really really don't want stolen. (I know you don't want to loose anything but sometimes things happen) >cellphones
12. make sure she has all the gear she needs one year we bagged all her clothes and that helped...one bag for Mon with undies and shorts and tshirt and socks and when that outfit went on then whatever she had on and was dirty then went in the bag and got zipped so it would not contaminate her other clothes. single use cameras...great for rainy days and candid shots in the cabin make sure she gets lots of rest before she goes because they are so busy and active all the time
13. OMG how fun is that!! Scary I bet!! I think most of these peeps,{ but the drug dude} Had awesome tips... I think secret notes would be cute, a pic of the family and send a letter ahead of her arrival!! Good luck mama!!!
14. Give her one of those cheap cell phones where you can only call or text certain numbers that way u can still say good night and good morning.
15. I have been through that, trust me it wil be a little hard, in the first day, after it wont be so hard. Before you send her check the camp out PS. I used to call my mom, so make sure she has a phone!