FOCUS ON FITNESS
Most camp programs keep kids physically active, within the limits of any disability or weight problem they may have. Fortunately, most kids are physically active enough on their own to be in shape for overnight camp. Your child doesn’t need to be an Olympic star. However, she should increase her
physical activity in the weeks prior to camp. It’s enough for most kids simply to spend more time outside doing what they like to do. Of course, kids who spend a lot of time watching television and playing video games will need more time to get in shape. Even if the camp you choose is not very competitive, your child will enjoy it more if she can keep up with the other kids.
To get the most out of a specialty sports camp, your child may want to brush-up on skills before heading to camp. This is easy to do for something like basketball specialty camp. There are hoops and basketballs in most neighborhoods. It’s more difficult for something like tennis camp because there may not be a tennis court nearby. And it’s nearly impossible to do for something like sailing specialty camp, unless your family owns a boat. Of course, some kids choose a specialty camp because they are beginners and want to learn more, or try something new. In that case, reading a book or magazine about the specialty sport is best.
Swim Checks
Camps that have an aquatics program usually require some type of “swim check” within 24 hours of the campers’ arrival. Swim checks usually consist of swimming a short distance (maybe 50 yards) and treading water (for a minute or two). Sometimes the swim check also involves putting a life preserver on in the water or learning to use basic safety equipment. For non-swimmers and children with disabilities, the swim check requirements are appropriately modified.
Whatever the case, it’s a good idea for kids to practice swimming before camp starts. Why? Because the swim checks are used to place campers in different levels of lessons. Usually, different levels have different privileges. For example, beginner swimmers may not be allowed to swim in deep water, jump off the diving boards, use certain boats, or go water-skiing.
Obviously, your child will want to do as well in the swim check as she can. We’ve talked to many campers who were disappointed about the level in which they were placed at the swim check. Like most kids, these campers hadn’t had much chance to swim recently, so they didn’t do as well in the swim check as they might have. A little practice at a local pool before coming to camp would have helped them do better. Don’t despair if there’s nowhere to practice. Most camps with aquatics programs offer swim lessons. Your child may move up a level in swimming, and get more privileges, just by going to a few lessons early in the camp session.
TEACH PROPER HYGIENE
It’s a simple idea: Preventing illness keeps kids healthy, and when they’re healthy, they have much more fun at overnight camp. What can kids do to reduce the chance that they’ll get sick at overnight camp? Here’s a comprehensive list made by two experienced camp nurses. We’ve added a few details. This list is useful, not just for the time children spend at overnight camp, but for all the time, and for all family members.
High quality cabin leaders will assist children in following these simple guidelines for healthy living. However, you should give your child practice following these guidelines before he arrives at camp. Kids owe it to themselves and to their cabin mates to keep themselves as healthy as possible.
Sometimes, health issues at camp embarrass kids. If their bodies aren’t clean, they may smell. If their underwear is dirty, they may itch in private places. If they wet their sleeping bag or bunk bed, they may be worried about telling their cabin leader. These things might make your child feel uncomfortable, but it’s better to be embarrassed for a moment than to get sick for a day or more. Encourage your child to ask his cabin leader if he needs a little help cleaning up.
For young women
Moms and dads should discuss menstruation with their daughters before camp. You never know exactly when your daughter may have her first period, and you want her to be prepared for this natural occurrence. If you discuss menstruation and how to use a pad or a tampon before camp starts, then you can avoid any major discomfort or embarrassment during camp. An excellent book about the topic is “Before She Gets Her Period: Talking to Your Daughter About Menstruation,” by Jessica B. Gillooly, Ph.D. It’s one of the few good books on menstruation written for parents. Of course, no book can be as good as a personal talk with a caring parent.
Most camp programs keep kids physically active, within the limits of any disability or weight problem they may have. Fortunately, most kids are physically active enough on their own to be in shape for overnight camp. Your child doesn’t need to be an Olympic star. However, she should increase her
To get the most out of a specialty sports camp, your child may want to brush-up on skills before heading to camp. This is easy to do for something like basketball specialty camp. There are hoops and basketballs in most neighborhoods. It’s more difficult for something like tennis camp because there may not be a tennis court nearby. And it’s nearly impossible to do for something like sailing specialty camp, unless your family owns a boat. Of course, some kids choose a specialty camp because they are beginners and want to learn more, or try something new. In that case, reading a book or magazine about the specialty sport is best.
Swim Checks
Camps that have an aquatics program usually require some type of “swim check” within 24 hours of the campers’ arrival. Swim checks usually consist of swimming a short distance (maybe 50 yards) and treading water (for a minute or two). Sometimes the swim check also involves putting a life preserver on in the water or learning to use basic safety equipment. For non-swimmers and children with disabilities, the swim check requirements are appropriately modified.
Whatever the case, it’s a good idea for kids to practice swimming before camp starts. Why? Because the swim checks are used to place campers in different levels of lessons. Usually, different levels have different privileges. For example, beginner swimmers may not be allowed to swim in deep water, jump off the diving boards, use certain boats, or go water-skiing.
Obviously, your child will want to do as well in the swim check as she can. We’ve talked to many campers who were disappointed about the level in which they were placed at the swim check. Like most kids, these campers hadn’t had much chance to swim recently, so they didn’t do as well in the swim check as they might have. A little practice at a local pool before coming to camp would have helped them do better. Don’t despair if there’s nowhere to practice. Most camps with aquatics programs offer swim lessons. Your child may move up a level in swimming, and get more privileges, just by going to a few lessons early in the camp session.
TEACH PROPER HYGIENE
It’s a simple idea: Preventing illness keeps kids healthy, and when they’re healthy, they have much more fun at overnight camp. What can kids do to reduce the chance that they’ll get sick at overnight camp? Here’s a comprehensive list made by two experienced camp nurses. We’ve added a few details. This list is useful, not just for the time children spend at overnight camp, but for all the time, and for all family members.
High quality cabin leaders will assist children in following these simple guidelines for healthy living. However, you should give your child practice following these guidelines before he arrives at camp. Kids owe it to themselves and to their cabin mates to keep themselves as healthy as possible.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the toilet, and whenever they look dirty. Don’t forget to scrub underneath your fingernails.
- Shower or swim each day to keep your body clean. In the shower, use shampoo, soap, and hot water.
- Brush and floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Turn your head and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use tissues or handkerchiefs whenever possible.
- Don’t share food, utensils, toothbrushes, combs, or other personal items.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s cold and rainy, wear clothes that are warm and dry.
- Change your clothes (especially socks and underwear!) each day.
- Change your bedding (sheets and pillow cases) each week. If you wet or soil your bed or sleeping bag, tell a cabin leader so that it can be cleaned.
- Air out your sleeping bag (if you use one) each week.
- Put on sunscreen and a hat before spending time in the sun. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or exercise.
- Wear supportive shoes and thick socks (not sandals!) for long hikes.
- Eat balanced meals.
- Drink at least one full glass of water at each meal, in addition to other fluids, such as milk and juice. Between meals, use the drinking fountains around camp.
- Sleep eight hours each night.
- At night, use a flashlight when walking around camp.
- Find outlets for stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or a mid-day rest
Sometimes, health issues at camp embarrass kids. If their bodies aren’t clean, they may smell. If their underwear is dirty, they may itch in private places. If they wet their sleeping bag or bunk bed, they may be worried about telling their cabin leader. These things might make your child feel uncomfortable, but it’s better to be embarrassed for a moment than to get sick for a day or more. Encourage your child to ask his cabin leader if he needs a little help cleaning up.
For young women
Moms and dads should discuss menstruation with their daughters before camp. You never know exactly when your daughter may have her first period, and you want her to be prepared for this natural occurrence. If you discuss menstruation and how to use a pad or a tampon before camp starts, then you can avoid any major discomfort or embarrassment during camp. An excellent book about the topic is “Before She Gets Her Period: Talking to Your Daughter About Menstruation,” by Jessica B. Gillooly, Ph.D. It’s one of the few good books on menstruation written for parents. Of course, no book can be as good as a personal talk with a caring parent.
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