What an adventure a trip to a summer camp can be for your child: swimming, hiking, campfires and homesickness. Perhaps your child has never slept away for more than just a few nights and some things might worry you. How can you make this experience exciting and positive for your child? How do you choose the right camp for your child? How can your prepare your child for their first night away from home? How do you handle homesickness?

There are many different camps: sports, music, computers, languages or the traditional nature camp. Choose a camp that fits in with both the family budget and the interests of your child. Don't send your daughter to a gymnastics camp if she doesn't like gymnastics, and don't send your son the a computer camp if he's interested in sports. During the months on March/April, there's usually a regular feature in your local parenting magazine and/or city newspaper. Some camps send advertisements directly through the schools.

There are many camps listed on the Internet under camps and summer camps. Another important place to get camp information is from word-of-mouth, from other parents. Maybe your child can attend the same camp as some of their friends.

Each camp offers different experiences, and carefully selected camps will help your child develop independence, confidence in themselves and social skills. Your child might expect to play new sports or pick up new skills such as map and compass reading. While involved in traditional camp activities such as art and crafts, your child will develop self-esteem, creativity and problem solving.

Most camps offer open houses where the parents and child can visit, look at pictures of previous years' camp activities, and meet a few staff members. They will provide you with additional information and forms such as medical forms, child information, the meal menus, copies of their daily/weekly schedules.

Don't be afraid to go and ask all the questions you or your child may have. It is important to get references, call other parents and ask them about their experiences. Check out if the camp is in good standing before signing any contract or giving a deposit. Get familiar with the camp's policies and procedures and be attentive to your child. It's important for your child to get a good sense of the camp to make them feel comfortable during their stay. This can determine if your child will have a positive experience. If the camp you choose is too far away for an afternoon visit and it's your child's first experience, visit other camps for your child to get a mental idea of what camps are all about. There are also books and/or videos available from your local library to help you with this.

Prepare them for this experience. Share fun stories from when you attended a camp as a child or other stories you might have heard. Involve your child in the shopping for supplies and clothes. Let them help you to identify their belongings. Not only will your child be helping with this chore but will help your child to identify their belongings at camp.

Let your child pack a special personal bag with items "from the heart" such as: a pocket size photo album, momentos, a stuffed animal. Some children will want quiet rainy day games. The "dollar store" is a good place to visit for playing cards and other small games. In their bag should also be stationary, pens and stamps (younger children's envelopes should already be addressed and stamped). The camp will provide you with lists of what your child may bring and what is best to leave at home.

A few days before the departure, mail a letter from home to your child. It should arrive on second or third day. It will make any child smile especially those dealing with homesickness. Just in case the letter gets lost in the mail, you might consider giving a copy to the camp staff to give to your child at the appropriate time.

Children usually get homesick at bedtime. One child starts, the others follow and everyone gets emotional. They're more vulnerable at this time. They're tired from their busy day and are not involved in an activity at this time. Snuggled in their sleeping bags and they have plenty of time to think. This homesickness is normal and after a few nights when they are more secure they will not be thinking of home so much. You should discuss these feelings with your child before camp. Don't brush off any negative feelings they share with you. Acknowledge them, reassure your child and reinforce the love you have for them. Tell them to share their feeling with their counselors, they are there for your child.

Worries that your child won't make friends are usually unfounded. The camp life style is filled with group and team activities. It's an excellent opportunity for the child to become more independent.

Parents and children can accept and enjoy this time away from each other. This is an experience for children and parents alike. Later you all will be surprised how quickly this time passed. suite101