For thousands, the camp experience has been a long-standing family tradition. For others, the camp experience seems almost counterintuitive. Send your child off to camp for maybe weeks at a time? “As parents, recognizing that you and your child are growing and learning on a journey together is key to adequately preparing yourself and your child for any type of separation, including going to camp for the first time,” states Peg Smith, former chief executive officer of the American Camp Association (ACA)*.

Following are helpful tips to consider as you ask yourself, “Who’s going through separation anxiety, me or my child?”

• Separation is a part of growing up. Find opportunities to give your child independence in safe, structured surroundings with caring adults such as the camp environment. Understanding that healthy separation prepares your child to be a confident, productive adult, sometimes makes the process more successful.
• Understand that separation is natural and necessary; remember your baby’s first crawl, the first time your child stepped onto a school bus, and the overnight at a friend’s or relative’s – these memories are all important developmental phases you and your child successfully encountered. Each successful separation gives your child confidence for the next challenge. Recognize and expect success.
• Implement steps to help prepare you and your child to have a smooth transition to camp by using the tips in “Preparing Children for the Summer Camp Experience.” Both parents and children benefit from these recommendations. Share the experience.
• Ask the right questions about the camp you are choosing for your child and be sure to match your child’s interest and age to the appropriate camp atmosphere. “Making the Most of the Interview” can give you helpful ideas about what questions to ask. Gathering information about the camp will make you feel better about your decisions.
• Recognize separating from your child may be just as difficult for you as for your child, maybe even more so.

Opportunities for children to experience healthy, successful separation help your child discover who they are and to recognize their strengths. “As children prepare to eventually leave home permanently, I often wonder who is being prepared during each separation experience throughout a child’s life – the growing child or the maturing adult,” comments Smith. “I think it proves learning is a lifelong process.”

*Peg Smith retired as CEO of the American Camp Association on January 1, 2015. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2018, American Camping Association, Inc.

About ACA: The American Camp Association® (ACA) is a national organization with more than 11,000 individual members and 3,000 member camps.  ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth, and adults.  ACA provides advocacy and evidence-based education and professional development, and is the only national accrediting body for the organized camp experience.  ACA accredits approximately 2,400 diverse camps nationally.  Accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s voluntary commitment to the health, safety, and overall well-being of both campers and staff.  For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.