Children look forward to sleepaway camp, long before summer begins! We help them spend a great deal of time getting ready for camp- packing, having talks, and more packing! However, do we spend enough time thinking about and planning for when your camper comes home?
What do we do? Will they feel, okay? Do we take a family trip right after or wait a week or two? Do we re-register for the next summer early?
Here are some tips for helping your child/camper "recuperate" from sleepaway camp:
1) Allow your child to lead the conversation. It may be tempting to ask a million questions and want to know everything that happened at camp. He/she will discuss when they are ready.
2) Plan a trip a week or more after your child comes home from overnight camp. If summer schedule allows for it, it is best to plan a family trip at least a week after their return. This gives your child time to relax, decompress and gear back up to travel and pack, AGAIN!!
3) Keep in touch with camp friends. Campers come from all over the country and even internationally! When possible, it is a great idea for your child to keep in touch with fellow bunk/cabin mates, even if via phone/text. This will help them stay connected long after summer is over.
4) Stay hydrated. While your child/camper may no longer be running around with their activity card, engaging in what seems like a 100 activities and new sports each day, they still need to stay hydrated. Fresh water and healthy electrolyte drinks are a must.
5) Get rest. It is fine to allow your child to sleep late for a few days following their return from sleepaway camp. This will help restore their body's circadian rhythms and will help them reset, long before the new school year begins again.
I hope everyone also had an amazing summer!
