Page 5 - 2026 Camp Emerson Family Handbook

For New Families
Selecting a camp and preparing for the summer is an exciting process. You may have as many questions
as you have reasons for giving your camper the gift of a summer at Camp Emerson. This section is
intended to be a resource for your family, and especially for those new to sleepaway camp.
Talk With Your Child
Campers and parents feel many emotions as they prepare for summer camp – excited, happy, curious! It
is also normal and healthy for difficult feelings to arise. Ask your child how they are feeling about camp.
Validate any
“hard” feelings and reassure them that camp will be a positive experience. Talking together
can help your child process their emotions while also helping them transition to camp with confidence.
What To Say
When talking to a child who is nervous about attending overnight camp it is important to stay positive,
confident, and reassure them of your love and their safety at camp. The following might be helpful things
to say:
➢
“We know how to contact Camp Emerson and they know how to contact me.
”
➢
“While you are at camp we will be at
______
and we will write to you regularly.
”
➢
“I love you! I’
m very excited and happy that you are going to Camp Emerson.
”
➢
“I know you
’ll love many things about camp.
”
➢
“It’
s ok to miss me. I’ll miss you too! But don
’t sit out on activities because you miss me.
”
➢
“It is ok to feel nervous about camp! Everyone is nervous, especially their first time. What is one
thing you are looking forward to at camp?”
➢
“At home we have only___
adults looking after you. At camp there are almost 100 adults around
to make sure you
’
re safe, making friends, and having fun.
➢
“I can
’t wait to hear about all of your activities and friends when you get home!
What Not To Say
Some strategies make it harder for children to transition to camp. Please avoid telling your child the
following things:
➢
“We can pick you up early if you don
’t like camp.
”
➢
“Just try camp for a few days! If you don
’t like it we
’ll pick you up.
”
➢
“I’ll give you a cell phone so you can call me any time.
”
➢
“We
’
re going on vacation, so you have to go to camp.
”
Before Camp
The more information kids have about camp before their arrival, the easier they will adjust to camp.
Children should know that they will be part of a bunk, what the lodging will be like, that they will share
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