Preparing your child for summer camp is essentially preparing them for a big adventure. And like all adventures, summer camp promises new experiences, challenges, and fun, as well as some uncertainty — for parents and kids alike. As your kids begin dreaming of sunny summer days and you’re getting their camp plans in order, here is a bit of camp counselor wisdom to keep in mind. 

The list starts with tips and insights for all campers, whether they’re embarking on a day camp or sleepaway camp adventure. Further on, you’ll find tips specifically for parents and kids gearing up for sleepaway camp.

Camp Counselor Wisdom for All Summer Campers

It’s All Part of the Experience

For parents who are on the fence about sending their child to summer camp, former counselor Chase R. has these words of encouragement. 

“Camp is such a wonderful place where kids can explore and begin to make choices on their own!” he says. “It’s great for boosting self confidence and I myself have made lifelong friendships. It’s important to remind them that even when things seem tough, they have a whole cabin, let alone a whole age group going through the same things! Working together makes life so much easier and better for all of us.”

Be Positive and Open Minded

Prepare your child to come to camp ready to try new things and have fun. One way to do this is to start talking about the exciting things your child will do at camp. If your child is going to a sports camp or other themed camp, talk positively about the skills they will build. In general, emphasize the opportunity to meet new kids and that being friendly and open are the best ways to make friends.  

Connect with Your Counselor

Part of being a camp counselor is getting to know and to befriend all their campers. Their job is fostering a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience for all. Encourage your child to go to their counselor with questions, suggestions, or whenever they need help.

Be a Camp Rule Follower

Impress upon your child the importance of following camp rules. This may seem basic, but camp rules are established to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Even if your child is typically a “rule-follower” make sure they understand that camp counselors are in charge at camp. 

Tips from Camp Counselors for Sleepaway Camp

Pack Like a Pro

Kids headed to sleepaway camp traditionally pack their stuff in a trunk. You can expect your child’s camp to provide a packing list to guide you in what to bring. To help your child keep track of their clothes and belongings, be sure to LABEL everything. 

Jennifer Markizon, program advisor for the Camp Experts & Teen Summers has another packing tip for parents. She suggests “packing their clothes in bins, so when they get to camp, they just pull the bin right out of their trunk and then all their bathing suits, etc. are all together.” 

Homesickness Is Normal

Whether this will be your child’s first summer at sleepaway camp or their third time, they may experience homesickness. Lots of kids get homesick at first, which is totally normal, says Jennifer Markizon, but don’t tell your kids ahead of time that you’ll pick them up early if they get sad. Try to let them work through it. 

Main Line Parent’s Pamela Badolato, a mother of four and a former preschool and summer camp teacher, also recommends parents let their child adjust to camp on their own. “Trust your camp, and don’t ask for exceptions to their rules about phone calls, visits, etc.,” she says. “They limit these things because each touch with home risks making homesickness worse and can cause a setback in the progress your child is making. Let your child learn to rely on others, experience self growth, and be proud of doing it on their own when it’s over.”

Toros Asadourian, another former camp counselor, agrees. “Nighttime is usually the hardest for kids and when they get homesick the most. It usually goes away by the third or fourth night, and the counselors are there to help them through it.”

Snail Mail Is Still a Thing at Camp!

Show your camper you’re thinking of them and stay connected with letters, postcards, and packages. Jennifer Markizon says some parents surprise their campers by sending a letter in advance. That way, they have mail from you on the very first day! Of course, care packages are always a hit with campers, but check with the camp first — food is typically not permitted. Instead try to think of things that the whole cabin can share, like cards, games, etc.

Looking forward to getting mail FROM your camper? For the younger campers, Jennifer Markizon suggests pre-addressing envelopes with addresses of people to whom you’d like them to write – like you! —  and other family and friends. She also suggests sending your child to camp with fill-in-the-blank, or other fun stationary that will make writing letters a special activity.

Ready for a Summer Camp Adventure?

Summer camp provides children with meaningful experiences for growth, friendship, and self-discovery. While challenges like homesickness may arise, caring counselors and fellow campers help transform these moments into stepping stones for independence. Outfitted with some camp counselor wisdom, your child can fully embrace their summer adventure.

Lead photo courtesy of YMCA Camp Matollionequay.

Be sure to check out the Main Line Parent 2025 Summer Camp Guide to help you plan the best summer experience for your family.