How to Prepare Your Child for the First Overnight Experience

2. FOR THE FIRST OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD

3. Going to camp is a rite of
passage that will spur your
child’s independence.

4. While you know that they
are in for some exciting
times ahead, it is normal for
a child to be apprehensive
about their first night away
from home.

5. New faces, unfamiliar cabins
and being away from mom and
dad can all seem terrifying to a
first-time camper.

6. Yet within only a matter of
hours after arrival most
campers are quickly adjusted
and making new friends.

7. As you wait for the big day to
arrive, use these strategies to
help your little camper
prepare for their first
overnight experience.

8. HELP THEM FIND
COPING STRATEGIES

9. It is important to be honest with
your child that some
homesickness is normal, yet
make sure they know that it is
temporary and quickly relieved
by getting involved in an activity.

10. Although the staff packs the day
with fun-filled activities to keep
campers’ minds off of home,
there will be some free time
that your child may need to fill.

11. Journaling, taking photos or
talking to a bunkmate are all
strategies your child can use to
feel better.

12. TALK ABOUT WHAT
TO EXPECT

13. Spend a few minutes with your
child perusing the camp website
and take a virtual tour by using
the interactive map.

14. As you do so, talk to your child
about some of the pictures
you see of campers engaged in
fun-filled activities.

15. Journaling, taking photos or
talking to a bunkmate are all
strategies your child can use to
feel better.

16. Then, practice role-playing any
situations that your child
seems nervous about such as
introducing themselves to
new friends.

17. MAKE A CAMPFIRE BLANKET

18. At camp, gathering around the
campfire is an opportunity to
enjoy camaraderie while
enjoying some of the best
camping traditions such as
singing songs and
roasting marshmallows.

19. Since this is one of the most treasured activities for campers,
making a campfire blanket can get your child excited.

20. Once their blanket is made, encourage them to decorate it
with patches and appliques to show off their unique style.

21. PLAN A PRACTICE
OVERNIGHT STAY

22. Many children have never
before stayed a night away from
home and a short overnight stay
with a family member or friend
can give them confidence.

23. Just make sure to arrange for
them to stay with someone
outside of their comfortable
family structure.

24. Try not to call while they are
gone and avoid picking them
up if they call in the middle of
the night.

25. When they get home, talk
about how it went and use
this information to work on
any areas where they could
use their coping strategies.

26. As the day for heading off to camp nears,
it is common for new campers to
experience some nervousness mixed with
their excitement.

27. Remember to keep your language
positive and remind your child that
you cannot wait to hear about
their adventures.

28. Make sure to send a letter ahead of time, so that it
will be waiting for your child’s arrival, and then
enjoy knowing that they are in for the experience of
their lifetime.

29. Canadian Adventure Camp is a coed
overnight summer camp for kids located on a
beautiful private island in the Wilderness
Lakes region of Temagami.

30. Founded in 1975, it provides acclaimed
programs to children from around the world!

31. Visit site:
http://www.canadianadventurecamp.com/

32. Canadian Adventure Camp
15 Idleswift DriveThornhill,
Ontario, L4J 1K9
Canadainfo@canadianadventurecamp.com