How to Prepare Your Kids for Overnight Camp

Transform your child’s first sleep-away camp experience from nerve-wracking to confidence-building with these expert-backed preparation strategies.

The school year is winding down, and camp brochures are scattered across your kitchen table. Your child has expressed interest in overnight camp, but as a parent, you’re feeling a complex mix of excitement and anxiety. Will they make friends? Can they handle being away from home? What if they get homesick?

You’re not alone in these feelings. Toronto mom Jennifer experienced the same emotional rollercoaster when preparing her 11-year-old daughter Emelia for her first sleep-away camp adventure. Originally planned as a buddy system with her best friend, Emelia found herself flying solo when her BFF backed out at the last minute. Surprisingly, this introverted pre-teen chose to forge ahead independently.

“It was really surprising to me that she’d be brave enough to do it,” Jennifer reflects. “It’s a nice taste of independence, away from your parents where you’re doing some of your own decision-making, which is a little bit scary but totally liberating, too.”

This sentiment captures the essence of what makes overnight camp such a valuable experience for children. It’s a controlled environment where kids can spread their wings, build resilience, and discover capabilities they never knew they had.

Understanding the Benefits of Overnight Camp

Before diving into preparation strategies, it’s important to understand why overnight camp can be such a transformative experience for children. Beyond the obvious fun factor, sleep-away camps offer unique developmental opportunities that are increasingly rare in our digitally connected world.

Building Independence and Self-Reliance

At camp, children make decisions without immediate parental input. They choose which activities to participate in, navigate social situations independently, and manage their personal belongings. This autonomy builds confidence and decision-making skills that serve them well throughout life.

Developing Social Skills in a Screen-Free Environment

Most overnight camps have strict policies limiting or prohibiting digital devices, creating an environment where children must engage face-to-face with peers. This fosters genuine connections and helps kids develop crucial social skills like reading body language, having conversations, and resolving conflicts in person.

Discovering New Interests and Abilities

Camp exposes children to activities they might never try otherwise—from archery and rock climbing to pottery and theatre. This exploration often reveals hidden talents and interests that can shape future hobbies or even career paths.

Learning Resilience and Problem-Solving

Away from the safety net of home, children learn to cope with challenges independently. Whether it’s homesickness, a disagreement with a bunkmate, or fear of trying a new activity, camp provides opportunities to build resilience in a supportive environment.

Choosing the Right Camp for Your Child

The foundation of a successful camp experience starts with selecting a program that aligns with your child’s personality, interests, and developmental needs. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, as the right match can make the difference between a transformative experience and a challenging one.

Consider Your Child’s Personality Type

Introverted children might thrive in smaller, more intimate camp settings, while extroverts may enjoy larger programs with more variety. Active kids might prefer adventure camps, while creative children could flourish at arts-focused programs. Consider your child’s social comfort level—some kids do better when they know at least one other camper, while others are excited by the prospect of meeting entirely new people.

Evaluate Camp Philosophy and Structure

Different camps have varying approaches to everything from discipline to daily schedules. Some camps offer highly structured days with organized activities from morning to night, while others provide more free choice and unstructured time. Consider what environment your child typically thrives in at school and home.

Safety and Accreditation Standards

Janet Gusdal, assistant manager of Camp Wannakumbac in Manitoba, strongly recommends choosing camps that belong to provincial camping associations. “Accredited camps follow safety and staffing regulations, which provide peace of mind to parents and help ensure kids are well cared for,” she explains.

Look for camps accredited by organizations like the Canadian Camping Association (CCA), which sets standards for:

Staff training and certification
Health and safety protocols
Emergency procedures
Facility maintenance
Program quality

Location and Duration Considerations

For first-time campers, consider starting with a shorter session (perhaps one week instead of two) and a location that’s not too far from home. This can help ease both your child’s and your own anxiety about the separation.

Questions to Ask During Camp Selection

When researching camps, don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions:

What’s the counsellor-to-camper ratio?
How are homesickness and behavioral issues handled?
What’s the camp’s policy on communication with parents?
How are roommate assignments made?
What medical facilities and staff are available on-site?
How do they accommodate children with special dietary needs or medical conditions?

Building Pre-Camp Excitement

Camp registration typically happens around March, leaving several months for anticipation to build—and for nervousness to potentially set in. The key is channeling that anticipation into excitement rather than anxiety.

Explore the Camp’s Digital Presence Together

Modern camps often have robust websites featuring photo galleries, activity descriptions, and even virtual tours. Jennifer and Emelia spent time exploring their camp’s website, discovering activities like canoeing, archery, and crafts—none of which included screen time.

“We want you to smell the flowers and hear the birds singing because a lot of kids are missing out on that,” explains Gusdal, referring to the digital detox aspect of camp life.

Make this exploration interactive by:

Creating a list of activities your child wants to try
Looking at photos of previous campers enjoying similar activities
Reading testimonials from past campers and families
Watching any available videos about daily camp life

Role-Play Camp Scenarios

Help your child mentally prepare by discussing various camp scenarios. Talk through what a typical day might look like, from wake-up to lights-out. Discuss how they might handle common situations like:

Introducing themselves to new bunkmates
Choosing activities when there are multiple appealing options
Dealing with weather changes affecting outdoor plans
Managing personal hygiene and belongings independently

Connect with Camp Alumni

If possible, arrange for your child to speak with someone who has attended the same camp. Many camps can facilitate these connections, and hearing firsthand accounts from peers can be incredibly reassuring and exciting for prospective campers.

Create a Camp Preparation Timeline

Starting about a month before camp, create a countdown calendar with small preparation tasks. This might include:

Shopping for necessary gear and clothing
Practicing skills like making beds or organizing belongings
Reading books about camp experiences
Discussing homesickness coping strategies
Having practice sleepovers to build comfort with sleeping away from home

Practical Preparation Strategies

Master Essential Life Skills

While camp counsellors are there to help, children who arrive with basic self-care skills tend to feel more confident and independent. In the weeks leading up to camp, practice:

Personal Hygiene Management: Ensure your child can shower independently, brush teeth thoroughly, and manage hair care. If your child has long hair, teach them simple styles they can manage alone.

Clothing Organization: Practice packing and unpacking suitcases, folding clothes, and organizing belongings in small spaces. Teach them to separate clean and dirty clothes.

Time Management: Many camps operate on tight schedules. Practice getting ready quickly and being aware of time constraints.

Basic Laundry Skills: While camps often handle laundry, older campers might need to manage their own. Teach basic sorting and understand when clothes need washing.

Develop Independence Gradually

About a month before camp, start giving your child more independence at home. Let them:

Pack their own school bag and check they have everything needed
Manage their own morning routine without reminders
Make simple decisions about clothing and activities
Solve minor problems independently before asking for help

Practice Sleeping Away from Home

If your child hasn’t had many sleepover experiences, arrange some practice runs. This might include:

Sleepovers at grandparents’ or relatives’ homes
Camping in the backyard
Sleepovers with close friends
Even sleeping in a different room of your own house

These experiences help children understand that they can sleep comfortably in unfamiliar environments and wake up feeling fine.

Managing Homesickness Proactively

Homesickness is one of the biggest concerns parents have about overnight camp, and it’s important to address this topic thoughtfully with your child.

Normalize the Experience

“I want parents to know that it’s okay for their kids to be a little bit homesick,” says Gusdal. “Most kids get over their sadness within a couple of days, leaving them time to settle in and enjoy themselves.”

Explain to your child that missing home is completely normal and doesn’t mean they’ve made a mistake by going to camp. Share stories about times you’ve missed home during travels or new experiences, and how those feelings passed.

Avoid Rescue Promises

While it’s natural to want to comfort your child, avoid making promises you shouldn’t keep. “The worst thing you can say to your child is, ‘If you don’t like it, I’ll come and get you,’” warns Gusdal. This kind of promise can actually increase anxiety and prevent children from pushing through temporary discomfort.

Instead, offer reassurance like:

“I’m confident you can handle whatever challenges come up”
“The counsellors are trained to help kids who are feeling homesick”
“Lots of kids feel homesick at first, and it usually gets better quickly”

Pack Comfort Items Strategically

Comfort items can provide emotional support, especially during bedtime when homesickness tends to peak. Consider packing:

A favourite stuffed animal or small blanket
A family photo
A small item that smells like home
Letters from family members to be opened on specific days

Emelia planned to bring her favourite stuffed animal, with Jennifer hoping “she can hug her stuffed animal and think happy thoughts about home and start fresh in the morning.”

Teach Coping Strategies

Equip your child with specific strategies for managing homesick feelings:

Deep breathing exercises
Positive self-talk (“I can do this,” “Tomorrow will be better”)
Engaging in camp activities to stay busy and distracted
Talking to counsellors or other campers who might be feeling similar emotions
Writing in a journal or writing letters (even if they can’t send them immediately)

Understand Camp Support Systems

Professional camp staff are trained to help children through emotional challenges. Many camps use strategies like:

Buddy systems pairing homesick campers with enthusiastic peers
Special attention from counsellors during difficult moments
Engaging homesick campers in favourite activities
Group discussions about missing home
Gradual integration into camp social groups

Communication Guidelines

Different camps have varying policies about communication with home, and it’s important to understand and respect these guidelines while preparing your child for the communication schedule.

Understand Your Camp’s Communication Policy

Some camps encourage daily communication, while others limit contact to help children fully immerse in the experience. Common policies include:

Scheduled phone calls on specific days
Email access at certain times
Letter writing as the primary communication method
Emergency-only communication policies

Prepare Your Child for Communication Schedules

If your family typically has constant contact throughout the day, prepare your child for reduced communication. Explain that this isn’t punishment but rather an opportunity to focus fully on camp experiences.

What to Include in Letters

If letter-writing is the primary communication method, prepare your child by discussing what makes a good camp letter:

Specific questions about daily activities
Sharing interesting details about what they’re learning
Mentioning new friends they’re making
Describing favourite parts of each day

Prepare some letters in advance that your child can open on specific days, and include self-addressed stamped envelopes to make it easy for them to write back.

Packing and Organization

Proper packing can significantly impact your child’s camp experience. Well-organized, clearly labeled belongings help children feel more independent and reduce stress.

Create a Master Packing List

Start with your camp’s provided packing list, but customize it based on your child’s specific needs. Consider:

Climate and weather patterns for your camp location
Your child’s personal preferences and comfort items
Any special clothing needed for specific activities
Medical items and toiletries

Label Everything Thoroughly

Use waterproof labels on every item, including:

All clothing items, including socks and underwear
Toiletries and personal care items
Electronics (if permitted)
Books, games, and entertainment items
Bedding and towels

Pack for Independence

Organize items in a way that helps your child find what they need quickly:

Use packing cubes or separate bags for different types of items
Pack similar items together (all swimming gear in one place, all art supplies in another)
Include a small laundry bag for dirty clothes
Pack a small flashlight for late-night trips to the bathroom

Include a “First Day” Bag

Pack a separate small bag with everything your child needs for their first day, including:

Change of clothes
Basic toiletries
Comfort item
Any medications
Camp schedule or map if provided

Addressing Specific Concerns

Every child has unique concerns about camp, and addressing these individually can help ensure a more successful experience.

Social Anxiety and Making Friends

For children worried about making friends:

Role-play introducing themselves to new people
Discuss common interests they might share with other campers
Practice asking questions to show interest in others
Remind them that everyone is there to make new friends
Teach them that it’s okay to be themselves

Fear of New Activities

Some children worry about being forced to participate in activities they’re uncomfortable with:

Explain that reputable camps encourage participation but don’t force unwilling campers
Discuss the difference between being nervous and being truly uncomfortable
Share stories about times you tried new things and discovered you enjoyed them
Emphasize that it’s okay to start slowly with new activities

Concerns About Sharing Living Space

For children who haven’t shared rooms before:

Practice sharing space at home by having siblings room together temporarily
Discuss respecting others’ belongings and space
Talk about compromise and communication in shared living situations
Address bathroom and shower privacy concerns

Dietary Restrictions and Food Concerns

If your child has dietary restrictions or is a picky eater:

Communicate thoroughly with camp staff before arrival
Pack appropriate snacks if permitted
Discuss trying new foods with an open mind
Ensure your child can clearly explain their restrictions to staff

Age-Specific Considerations

Ages 7-9: First-Time Campers

Younger first-time campers need extra preparation:

Consider day camp experience before overnight camp
Practice independence skills more intensively
Choose shorter camp sessions initially
Focus heavily on comfort items and routines
Ensure they can clearly communicate their needs to adults

Ages 10-12: Building Confidence

Pre-teens like Emelia often thrive at camp:

Encourage leadership opportunities
Discuss handling peer pressure situations
Address body changes and privacy needs
Help them set personal goals for camp
Discuss digital device policies and offline entertainment

Ages 13+: Teen Campers

Older campers have different needs:

Respect their growing need for independence
Discuss more complex social situations
Address romantic interests and appropriate boundaries
Help them understand camp rules about technology and communication
Encourage them to be mentors for younger campers

Final Preparations and Send-Off

The Week Before Camp

Use the final week for last-minute preparations:

Double-check all packed items against the camp list
Confirm transportation arrangements
Review emergency contact information
Have final discussions about expectations and concerns
Ensure all medications are properly packed and labeled
Confirm any special arrangements with camp staff

The Day of Departure

Make the send-off positive and confident:

Keep goodbyes relatively brief to avoid emotional escalation
Express confidence in your child’s abilities
Remind them that you’re excited to hear about their adventures
Take photos to commemorate this milestone
Have tissues ready for your own emotions after they leave

Managing Your Own Emotions

It’s completely normal for parents to experience separation anxiety too. As parenting expert Judy Arnall notes, “Once you put them on the bus, you’re out of it. Parents just need to let go, let the camps do their magic, and the kids will be all right.”

When Camp Doesn’t Go as Planned

While most camp experiences are positive, it’s important to be prepared for potential challenges and know how to respond appropriately.

Early Pickup Requests

If your child requests to come home early:

Work with camp staff to understand the underlying issues
Ask about strategies being used to help your child
Consider whether the request is based on temporary discomfort or genuine distress
Remember that working through challenges builds resilience

Signs of Serious Issues

While homesickness is normal, watch for signs of more serious problems:

Complete refusal to participate in any activities after several days
Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Reports of bullying or safety concerns
Extreme emotional distress that doesn’t improve

Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to communicate with camp leadership if you have serious concerns.

Learning from Challenging Experiences

Even if camp doesn’t go perfectly, there are valuable lessons:

Discuss what your child learned about themselves
Identify skills they developed, even if they didn’t enjoy everything
Use the experience to plan better for future independence opportunities
Celebrate their courage in trying something new

Post-Camp Integration

The learning doesn’t end when camp does. Help your child integrate their camp experience into their ongoing development.

Immediate Re-entry

When your child returns home:

Give them time to readjust to home routines
Show genuine interest in their stories and experiences
Allow them to maintain some of the independence they gained
Help them stay connected with new friendships if possible

Long-term Benefits

Continue building on camp-developed skills:

Encourage continued participation in activities they discovered at camp
Use their increased independence in age-appropriate ways at home
Help them apply problem-solving skills they developed
Consider returning to camp or trying new independence-building experiences

Building a Foundation for Future Success

Overnight camp is often a child’s first major step toward independence, and how you handle the preparation and experience can set the stage for future challenges and adventures.

The key is approaching camp preparation as a collaborative process between you and your child, building excitement while acknowledging concerns, and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Remember that some discomfort is normal and beneficial—it’s how children grow and develop resilience.

As Gusdal notes, children “just get so much confidence” from accomplishing things they initially thought were impossible. Camp provides a unique environment where children can discover their capabilities, form meaningful friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Whether your child returns home with new skills, increased confidence, or simply some great stories to tell, the experience of preparing for and attending overnight camp is valuable preparation for the many adventures that lie ahead in their journey toward adulthood.

The investment you make in thoughtful preparation now will pay dividends not just in a successful camp experience, but in your child’s overall development as an independent, confident individual ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities await them.