Whether we are willing to admit it or not, most of us start counting down the days until our campers return home from Camp, as soon as they get on the bus.  Our lives often revolve around the schedules of our children and while they are at Camp, it can be easy to forget about the positive and formative experience they are receiving.  So, from the very first day, until long after they return, how can parents get the most out of their campers time at Camp?

Allow their experience to be unique to them
A great moment that often follows a child’s time at camp is when parents and children can share a common bond about incredible experiences and memories of Camp. We encourage parents to allow their child’s experience to be their own and sometimes that means being different than what they experienced at Camp.  Your fond memories of being the star of the Camp play, or learning how to water ski might not be what your child wants or remembers the most.  That’s OK!  Camp has this great capacity to let each person carve out their own identity.  Celebrate that!

Know how to stay in touch while they’re gone
Modern technology has come to provide us with instantly accessible communication. With that, we have come to expect answers and information quickly.  While your child is at Camp, get to know what tools the Camp provides you with to give you an insight into Camp life and know what your child is up to each day.  At EKC, we post pictures each night of the day’s activities and programs. We fill up social media throughout the summer sharing highlights of what’s happening at Camp.  If you see your child, save that picture or post so you can revisit with them after the summer!

Be smart when writing letters to your camper
It can be very tempting to use the letters you write as the means to getting as much information out of them as possible.  We strongly encourage you to resist that temptation.  Instead, use the letters you write to your child as a way to have conversations about their favorite sports team, a new book that’s about to be published, or highlighting a few fun things that you’ve done while they’ve been at Camp.  Yes, asking a few questions about new friends, favorite activities, and the food at Camp is absolutely OK.  Just remember, it’s not an interrogation and never threaten to withhold privileges when they get back from Camp if they don’t write you with the same sense of urgency that you write them!

Temper expectations for their return home
Returning home from Camp can be harder than you might think for your child.  For the past week or weeks, they’ve been in charge of making a ton of decisions for themselves. At home, there are a different set of rules and you, the parent, are in charge.  Adjusting back from Camp takes time for everyone to return to their routines.  We encourage you to embrace the new found independence and confidence your camper gained while and find ways that allow them to show off the “new them.”

Ask the right questions about their time at Camp
Once we finally have face time with our children after Camp, that’s the time to grill them with questions, right?  Not exactly.   At least we don’t recommend it. Let them get their rest. You will be well rested and eager to spend every one moment with them, but your camper will be tired. The emotional exhaustion that comes from being at Camp, combined with the adjustment of having less personal space and freedom could make your child dodge questions like it’s a congressional panel asking them.

There is no perfect combination of questions that will help you unlock the complete magic of your child’s Camp experience.  That’s OK!  Give them space to reminiscence and share with you as memories from the summer reemerge.  When these opportunities do come up, take the chance to laugh with them and begin preparing for a return to their “happy place” that will continue to provide them the growth and development you hoped it would.

In the spirit of camping,

Aaron Cantor
Camp Director