First time campers obviously are stepping into the unknown, so their anxiety level rises along with their parents’. So how can you control anxiety? Or is it more normalising this anxiety, and realising it’s simply a part of every day life?
The Top 8 Tips we’ve learnt at Explorer Camps about helping Child Anxiety are listed below:
1) Let your child feel a sense of ownership over the experience.
Involve him in picking the summer camp; familiarize him with the camp environment and teach him about camp activities so he can formulate expectations. This will help a lot with camper development.
2) Help your child get excited about camp.
Take her shopping for new gear and focus her on fun things about camp that she can anticipate.
3) Avoid focusing on what makes children anxious.
Instead of asking leading questions like, “Are you nervous about horseback riding?” ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about the horses?”
4) Don’t trivialize her concerns or offer false reassurances.
“There’s nothing to worry about!” or “Everyone loves camp!” may discourage your child. Instead, show that you have empathy and acknowledge her concerns. Use sentences like “I understand why you feel that way.” Or ”I can see what you mean. ”
5) Focus on concrete details in conversations leading up to and during summer camp.
Avoid abstract issues like what it it’s like to be away from home in favor of rooming details, meals in the restaurant, or campfire rituals. Talk about the amazing summer outdoor activities on offer, and how they feel about each one.
6) Reflect on your own formative experiences away from home.
Share positive aspects of them with your child and show that you are willing to talk about the new things he’ll be doing, whether it’s eating new food, sleeping in a bunkbed, getting along with cabin-mates, or coexisting with insects.
7) Go through “rehearsals.”
A shorter-term sleepover or a night at Grandma’s will make it easier for your child to be away from home. Going to an overnight camp as a 1st time camper raises the anxiety levels, however having some trial runs always helps.
8) Help your child formulate realistic, goal-oriented plans.
Whether that be for making friends or toasting the perfect marshmallow or passing a swimming test. The thrill of completing these plans can give your child a feeling of success and take his mind off his anxiety. Camper development is the key, and creating goal-orientated plans always is beneficial.
Learn more about our 1st Time Campers to understand why Explorer Camps is the best place for you child this summer.
