As summer approaches, many parents are looking to fill their kids’ days with camps and programs. While these programs can present many questions and challenges, there are strategies that can help parents and kids enter camp with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- The big picture: Going off to summer camp can be scary for everyone in the family, for a number of reasons.
- The details: Researching summer program procedures and policies ahead of time can ensure a smooth experience for you and your camper.
- The more you know: Form a plan with your child to help reduce emotional struggles at camp. Pack and prepare for camp based on your child’s personality, habits and the camp’s requirements.
Go over camp schedules and policies with everyone
Before the first day, make sure you are familiar with the camp schedule and policies. Many camps provide parents with a list of guidelines for what to expect, but you may benefit from reaching out to administrators with any lingering questions or concerns. It may help to leave early on the first day to circumvent issues like long drop-off lines.
Researching the program will also help you know what to pack your camper based on the unique program. For example, some sports camps may provide equipment while others prefer children bring their own. Check in with the camp website and registration documents to determine what to pack.
Many camps offer some information about their staff and their training online to help you gain an understanding of who will be working with your children. Many camps, like Washington Parent’s 2025 Parent Picks Best Sleepaway Camp winner Brainy Ridge, employ medical teams or first aid trained counselors to deal with unique medical needs and any unexpected issues.
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Understand your camper
Understanding your camper can also help you prepare for summer programs. If you’re planning on sending them to sleepaway camp, discuss ahead of time what being away from home will entail, what they are excited and nervous about, and how they can deal with negative emotions and homesickness. It could even help to practice certain scenarios with them, like drop-off, or what to expect when going to sleep in a new bed. Forming these strategies ahead of time could help your child feel more comfortable starting camp.
Considering your child’s personality and habits can also help with packing for day or sleepaway camp. Kids with low-blood sugar may benefit from extra snacks to avoid meltdowns, while messy eaters could use an extra shirt in their backpacks. A homesick camper might feel safer bringing a cherished stuffed animal to sleepaway camp, but be careful sending valuable or sentimental items with more absent-minded kids.
Have a plan for yourself, too
Sending a child to a new place with new people can be just as nerve-racking for their parents as it is for them. But having a plan in advance can benefit both of you. Forming a clear drop-off and pickup routine can remove scheduling stressors and meltdowns. You can also make a personal schedule to fill time you would normally be spending with your child with fun relaxing activities like reading or exercising.
While you may be nervous for yourself or your child, consider the benefits of camp for both of you. Summer programs provide young people with many academic, athletic and social skills that will help them grow in the long-term. While they may make new friends during their program, you can use pick-up and drop-off as an opportunity to meet other parents whose families have similar interests to your own.
Check out these camps and summer programs voted best in the DMV by Washington Parent Readers:
- Tiny Dancers: A specialized dance program for children 2-12 focusing on ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre with locations in Alexandria, Mosaic, and Fairfax City, Virginia.
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- String Time: An introductory violin, viola, and cello program for 7–12-year-olds. Classes are offered in Alexandria, McLean, and Burke, Virginia, and taught by professional musicians. Instruments are provided.
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- OneKick: A martial arts program located in Germantown, Maryland, focusing on physical activity, life skills, community, and convenience for families.
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- Ideaventions Academy: For families wanting to expand their child’s education during the summer months, Ideaventions offers a variety of academic courses to keep young minds active. The academy is in Reston, Virginia.
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- Calleva: With locations in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia, and Poolesville, Maryland, Calleva offers a variety of unique outdoor programs for kids and teenagers including kayaking, fishing and rock climbing.
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