May 2025
School’s wrapping up and mosquitoes are on the prowl, which means ready or not, summer camp is starting soon!
We’ve got 6 proven strategies to get your head in the game:
1. Remember what you signed up for.
The sign-up scramble happened ages ago, and it would be completely understandable if your recordkeeping got a little jumbled in the frenzy. Look through your registration confirmations and make sure your calendar has the correct start and end dates for each camp. It’s also a good time to note when upcoming payments will be due.
2. Think through your daily logistics.
Note the location and drop-off/pick-up windows for each camp. Decide who will do the driving and think through how the route and timing will jive with your commute. If it’s looking tricky, consider arranging a carpool or enlisting help from friends and family.
3. Make a game plan for the gear.
Each camp has its own requirements for what kids should bring to camp (or leave at home). Review guidance on what to wear, what to bring, lunches and snacks, and prohibited items. From morning sunscreen applications to managing wet swimsuits, there are a zillion tiny logistics that make camp days different from your school-year routine. Make a plan to keep track of weekly checklists and manage all that gear.
4. Check in with your child.
A new environment or sudden change in routine can be tough for kids. Take a moment now to talk through your family’s summer plans. Look at each camp’s website or social media together to see what to expect and start getting excited about the experience. Invite your kids to ask questions and continue the conversation as you get closer to each camp’s first day.
5. Know your options.
You can’t plan for every contingency, but you can plan for some! Review camp policies on inclement weather, illness, payment deadlines, and cancellations. If you anticipate any schedule changes, it’s best to know your options sooner rather than later so you can try to get a refund, switch weeks, or find another camper to fill your spot, depending on camp policies.
6. Read those emails.
Most camps will send emails with everything you need to know about drop-off and pick-up procedures, gear requirements, payments, health forms, and more. It can be intimidating to see these messages pile up in your inbox, but staying on top of them will save you a lot of summer morning stress. Read the emails as they come in, ask any questions you have ahead of time, and thank yourself later when you’re able to genuinely embrace that carefree summer vibe as you drop your kid off on the first day of camp!
Find more helpful advice in our expert interviews on Navigating Camp Anxiety and Camp Behind the Scenes.
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