Difficulties of Enrolling Your Child in Summer Camp

Posted On: March 20, 2019 By Jim Newton

Summer camps are a staple for children in many states across America – they can add great value to a child’s growth and development, giving them the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the world, of their community, and of themselves. However, despite the great benefits associated with summer camps, it is undeniable that it is often difficult for parents, and for kids, to enroll in summer camps and follow through.

As our children grow up, many of us hold onto the moments of innocence and how much they need us as parents – we’re here to validate that this is a natural, normal part of family and parental development. For many parents it is difficult to feel at peace allowing their child to go to a summer camp, particularly when the child is essentially out of the parents’ care for a day or more. The good news is, these difficulties and struggles are to be expected, and you’re not alone if you identify with these sentiments.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common difficulties associated with enrolling children in summer camps and how to help yourself and/or your child feel better about such a decision.

Common Difficulties for Families

Both parents and children alike experience the transition of going to summer camp – the experiences may be similar, or they may be totally different; however, it’s important to think about what is best for your child and how to work through difficult or ambivalent feelings. These are just some normal considerations that all parents think about before enrolling their child in summer camp:

Parents’ Fears

Many parents are concerned about: staying in touch with their child in case of an emergency; being out of control of what their child is spending their time doing; not being able to keep tabs on who their child associates with; and the capabilities of the staff in charge of the children and summer camp.

Children’s Fears

Many children are concerned about: being away from their parent(s) for any period of time; meeting new people and being immersed in unfamiliar faces; and feeling self-conscious about their ability to try and achieve new things.

Child Development and Age

Not all children develop and grow at the same rate; it is essential to consider how your own child’s development and age will affect their experience in summer camp.

Unanswered Questions

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The Tested Benefits of Summer Camps

Despite the difficulties that parents and children may go through in enrolling for summer camp, research continues to illuminate the ways that children, and families, can benefit from the experience from start to finish. Here are some important things to keep in mind about how summer camps can help your child’s development overall in the long run:

Social Growth

Meeting new people and becoming familiar with diverse perspectives, opinions, and cultures teaches children tolerance and opens their mind. It also helps develop their social skills in how they interact with others effectively.

Expanding Horizons and Skills

Learning and completing new tasks can instill confidence in your child and nurture their natural talents and abilities.

Developing Independence and Autonomy

Though it may be uncomfortable for some at first, being away from routine day-to-day life and faces is healthy for children; it helps them develop a sense of autonomy and self-reliance, which will also serve them later in life.

Building a Sense of Responsibility

Summer camps help children take responsibility for themselves and their actions. Without the usual familiar adults, children are in a different element where they learn how to be responsible, functioning members of society and a greater community.

The childcare experts here at Great Beginnings Child Care and Learning Center in Sugar Hill, GA, make it a point to consider how summer camps can have an impact on parent-child dynamics and relationships. Enrolling in summer camp is a transition for not only a child, but for a family as well; therefore, it’s helpful to find support and validation for you and your child’s experience. To learn more about the summer camps and other programs we offer, please feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to hearing from you!