By Maria Xia, Child Mind Institute

All children experience a mixture of excitement and nervousness when summer camp approaches. For most, excitement trumps nerves, but some children develop anxiety serious enough to get in the way of what should be a fun, formative experience.

The best ways to help kids get over pre-camp nerves is to acknowledge their feelings and give them tools to tame them. Here’s how to help:

1) Encourage a child to feel a sense of ownership by talking to him about the camp he’s going to. Read up on camp activities and discuss them them so he can formulate expectations.

2) Help her get excited about camp by taking her shopping for new gear and focusing on fun things she can anticipate doing.

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 a child’s concerns or offer glib reassurances. "There's nothing to worry about!" or "Everyone loves camp!" may discourage her. Instead, show that you have empathy but are confident she can handle the experience.



5) Focus on concrete details in conversations before camp. Avoid abstract issues like what it's like to be away from home in favor of cabin details, meals in the lodge, or camp fire rituals.

6) Reflect on your own experiences as a child away from home and share positive aspects of them.

7) For a child who’s nervous about being away from home, offer to help with a "rehearsal" in the form of a sleepover at your house.

8) Let her know you’re looking forward to being in touch while she’s away, planning to send her plenty of letters and care packages.

9)  Talk over plans for making friends or toasting the perfect marshmallow or passing a swimming test. The thrill of completing these plans can give him a feeling of success and take his mind off his anxiety.

10)  Remind the child that counselors are there to support her, she shouldn't be afraid to ask for help if she needs it. Does she wet the bed? Is she anxious about water? Summer camp offers great opportunities for developing independence and social skills, but you don't want kids to feel that they're flying without a net. For many kids, counselors are a big part of the experience: they're cool, they're fun, and they're there for you.

Main Photo 2014: adwriter via Flickr cc
Center Photo 2017: De Visu
Published: June 30, 2014