how to prepare your child for the first overnight experience

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Page 1: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience
Page 2: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

FOR THE FIRST OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD

Page 3: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Going to camp is a rite of passage that will spur your child’s independence.

Page 4: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

While you know that they are in for some exciting times ahead, it is normal for a child to be apprehensive about their first night away from home.

Page 5: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

New faces, unfamiliar cabins and being away from mom and dad can all seem terrifying to a first-time camper.

Page 6: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Yet within only a matter of hours after arrival most campers are quickly adjusted and making new friends.

Page 7: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

As you wait for the big day to arrive, use these strategies to help your little camper prepare for their first overnight experience.

Page 8: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

HELP THEM FIND COPING STRATEGIES

Page 9: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

It is important to be honest with your child that some homesickness is normal, yet make sure they know that it is temporary and quickly relieved by getting involved in an activity.

Page 10: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Although the staff packs the day with fun-filled activities to keep campers’ minds off of home, there will be some free time that your child may need to fill.

Page 11: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Journaling, taking photos or talking to a bunkmate are all strategies your child can use to feel better.

Page 12: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

TALK ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT

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Spend a few minutes with your child perusing the camp website and take a virtual tour by using the interactive map.

Page 14: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

As you do so, talk to your child about some of the pictures you see of campers engaged in fun-filled activities.

Page 15: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Journaling, taking photos or talking to a bunkmate are all strategies your child can use to feel better.

Page 16: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Then, practice role-playing any situations that your child seems nervous about such as introducing themselves to new friends.

Page 17: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

MAKE A CAMPFIRE BLANKET

Page 18: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

At camp, gathering around the campfire is an opportunity to enjoy camaraderie while enjoying some of the best camping traditions such as singing songs and roasting marshmallows.

Page 19: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Since this is one of the most treasured activities for campers, making a campfire blanket can get your child excited.

Page 20: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Once their blanket is made, encourage them to decorate it with patches and appliques to show off their unique style.

Page 21: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

PLAN A PRACTICE OVERNIGHT STAY

Page 22: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Many children have never before stayed a night away from home and a short overnight stay with a family member or friend can give them confidence.

Page 23: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Just make sure to arrange for them to stay with someone outside of their comfortable family structure.

Page 24: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Try not to call while they are gone and avoid picking them up if they call in the middle of the night.

Page 25: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

When they get home, talk about how it went and use this information to work on any areas where they could use their coping strategies.

Page 26: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

As the day for heading off to camp nears, it is common for new campers to experience some nervousness mixed with their excitement.

Page 27: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Remember to keep your language positive and remind your child that you cannot wait to hear about their adventures.

Page 28: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Make sure to send a letter ahead of time, so that it will be waiting for your child’s arrival, and then enjoy knowing that they are in for the experience of their lifetime.

Page 29: How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

Canadian Adventure Camp is a coed overnight summer camp for kids located on a beautiful private island in the Wilderness Lakes region of Temagami.

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Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed programs to children from around the world!

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Canadian Adventure Camp 15 Idleswift DriveThornhill, Ontario, L4J 1K9 [email protected]