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What is The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success?
What is The Summer Camp Handbook? The Summer Camp Handbook is the premier preparatory resource for new camper families. It guides families through a systematic and comprehensive process of selecting the camp that best meets their child's interests and abilities. Also included are homesickness-prevention tips, packing tips, and the best ways kids can stay physically and emotionally safe at camp. Special chapters for parents and kids help guide everyone through a magnificent camp experience. First published in 2000, The Summer Camp Handbook is recently updated and now in its third printing. Co-authors Dr. Christopher Thurber and Dr. Jon Malinowski recent won a National Parenting Press Gold Award for The Summer Camp Handbook.
What are the top camp prep tips for parents and kids? For parents, I recommend:
(2) Double-check the camp's packing list. Many seasons of experience have helped your child's camp directors refine the packing list to include all the essentials. So, if it says "stick bug repellant," don't buy spray. If it says "no electronics," then leave the video games at home. (3) Spend practice time away from home. Nothing builds confidence and teaches a child how to cope with time away from home better than...(you guessed it)...time away from home. That weekend at your folks' will do wonders for their adjustment. (4) Label everything. It's easy to lose things at camp, but if you want it back, it's got to have your name on it. Label everything from your t-shirts to your tennis racket to your toothbrush. And leave really expensive gear at home. (5) Double-check the opening and closing dates and times. Start camp off on a smooth note by arriving on time and on the right day. Use a wall calendar in the months prior to opening day to make an exciting count-down to the big day.
For kids, I recommend:
2. Leave electronics at home. Not only are iPods and PSPs expensive, they can break easily at camp. Plus, camp is a great time to take a break from all that screen time and get plugged into some new friendships. 3. Tell your parents that you'll be fine. Sometimes, moms and dads get a little sad or nervous to say goodbye before camp, so they'll need an extra hug and maybe a promise that you'll write (see Tip #4). 4. Pack some pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelopes, along with paper and pens. Moms and dads love to get mail and the more you write, the more you'll get back. Put all your stationery stuff in a zippered freezer bag so it stays dry. Visit the camp's web site. Most of the answers to your camp questions are right there on the camp's web site. And you'll feel better if you know lots about where you're going. Can't find the answer? Send the camp director an e-mail
The Summer Camp Handbook is available at many bookstores and online at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble or the ACABookstore.org. Journalists may request individual press copies by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling Perspective Publishing (800) 330-5851. |
The Secret Ingredients is a DVD/CD set
designed to help campers minimize homesickness and maximize the benefits of
summer camp. The content is based on a
decade of research about how kids and parents cope with being apart for a time. The DVD is for new camper families to watch
together and the CD is parents to listen to in the car, after the opening day
drop-off. Kids who use the tools in The Secret Ingredients are half as
homesick as kids who rely on standard camp prep techniques. The
Secret Ingredients is available exclusively from the American Camp
Association at 
(1)
Don't make a "pick-up deal." Promising "If you feel homesick, I'll come
and get you" undermines children's confidence and dramatically intensifies
homesickness. Instead, normalize their
anxiety, talk positively about camp, and view 
1.
Label everything. It's easy to lose things at camp, but if you
want it back, it's got to have your name on it.
Label everything from your t-shirts to your tennis racket to your
toothbrush. Use a permanent marker to
label socks right on the toe.
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