September 2025
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of packing your bags for your first week at sleepaway camp. From the first cheesy ice-breakers to the closing ceremony, overnight camps offer an unparalleled setting to foster independence, responsibility, and personal growth. And, it’s just plain fun to spend your days—and nights!—building memories and friendships that can last a lifetime.
Of course, the prospect of going away from home for the first time can make anyone feel a tad nervous. Here are four steps to see if sleepaway is right for your family and set your child up for success.
1. First, check in with yourself.
If you were an overnight camper as a kid, you probably have a pretty good feel for whether it’s right for your family. If this would be your first experience with overnight camp, do some research, chat with friends and family, and probe your own feelings about what the sleepaway experience would mean.
“It can be good for parents to consider their own comfort with sending their kid to camp, because if they’re really uncomfortable with it, then it’s not as likely to be successful. How do you feel about sending your kid to camp, and is there a way to get comfortable with it? If not, maybe this isn’t the year to do it,” says Jenny Robb, PhD, a clinical psychologist who serves children, adolescents, and adults at Pine State Psychological Services, PLLC in Raleigh.
If you’re hesitant, try to articulate what you’re concerned about. Camp can be really good for kids, but it can also provoke anxiety. Think through both the upsides and downsides of encouraging your child to give it a try. If you like the idea conceptually but aren’t yet totally on board, it may be a matter of finding the right camp—one that you feel you can trust, aligns with your values, and will provide the experiences you want for your child.
2. Consider your child’s experience.
The pace and process of growing up is a little different for everyone, and there’s no magical age when every kid is ready for overnight camp. Reflect on who your child is and where they are in their journey toward independence. They don’t have to be total pros at being away from home to go to camp, but it’s good to look for clues that they would be able to enjoy it.
“Think about how much practice your kid has had being away from you. If you’re considering sending them to sleepaway camp, it might be good to give them a little bit of practice sleeping somewhere else,” says Dr. Robb. For example, she suggests that spending a night at grandma’s place, going for a sleepover at a trusted friend’s house, or even having a camp-out in the backyard can give a taste of the camp experience. “If your child is doing well with those things, then they might be ready to go to sleepaway camp.”
3. Check in with your child.
If you’re ready and you think they are, too, it’s time to broach the topic. Explain what overnight camp is like and why you think it might be a good experience. If you have a camp in mind, go online together and check out photos of the cabins and activities. If not, start the search together! You can also ask other parents for recommendations or even coordinate so your child can go together with a friend.
Once they have a sense of what it would be like, give your child room to process how they’re feeling about it. Have a few conversations on different days to allow time for concerns to bubble up. Work together to answer any questions they have, drawing from your own experience, advice from people you trust, or information on the camp’s website. Many camps offer virtual tours and camp directors are happy to answer questions.
To the extent possible, try not to rush into a decision. Once you have all the details, your child will probably still appreciate a bit of time to think about it on their own or talk with friends before committing.
4. Start preparing them for success.
If you decide to go for it, don’t let opportunity pass you by! Sleepaway camps can fill up fast, so make sure you know when registration opens, what dates and programs you’re targeting, how to sign up, and when deposits and payments are due. Once you’re registered, pay attention to camp communications about medical forms, packing lists, and anything else you need to prepare.
In addition to staying on top of the logistics, you can help your child prepare by having them play a bigger role in managing their daily routines. “Fostering some independence at home can be helpful as your child is going off to sleepaway camp for the first time,” says Dr. Robb.
For example, tell your child the day’s plans and the weather forecast and have them assemble their own outfit and gear. Or, stop proactively reminding them to brush their teeth and encourage them to remember on their own. Teaching them to apply their own sunscreen is also key.
As the big day approaches, stay attuned to any emotions they may be feeling. It’s normal (and totally okay!) to experience some nerves. Accept that and help them to focus on the positives—the friends they’ll make, the fun they’ll have, and all the reasons you decided together that they’re ready for the challenge.
Ready to find your child’s first overnight camp? Check out our list of overnight camps within 2 hours of the Triangle.