Summer Camp Survival Kit

Filled with printables, activities, and tips for those long car rides, and those long days away from home.

Table of Contents
Letter From Camp Make a Scrapbook! Paper Pinwheel The Mix Up Monsters Camping Bingo Pig Race! 5 Great Ideas for Camp Care Packages 7 Ways to Prevent Homesickness at Homeaway Camp The Bottom Line on Camp Costs Help for Homesick Campers

3 4 5 6 9 10 13 15 18 19

Letter from Camp

Getting a letter in the mail from a loved one is an exciting and heartwarming experience. This summer, if your child is trying overnight camp, make sure youre caught up on whats going on in his life by establishing the tradition of sending a letter home. While the typical letter home for many kids is a monument to brevity, this year as you help your kid pack, heres a sneaky suggestiongive your child templates for three versions of a Deluxe Letter Home. Stick them in your childs bags with some stamped envelopes and a pack of pens and colored pencils! In this activity, your child will practice writing a letter home before he goes off to camp.

What You Need:

Downloadable templates Small pack of fine-tipped, water based colored markers or colored pencils Pencil sharpener (optional) Crayons Stamaped and addressed envelopes

What You Do:

1. First, wherever your child is going, make sure he knows you would like him to write a letter home! 2. Read through the Deluxe Letter together and talk about the important parts in a letter. 3. Have your child decide who the recipient of the letter should be. Your child may want to write to you, but remember that lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends might love to get a letter as well. 4. After deciding on a recipient, model and write a sample letter or two together before he goes off to camp. As you do this, you both can discuss what kinds of things make a good letter and why. Now your child has an idea of the letter you would like to receive while hes away! 5. When hes off at camp, hell feel more prepared and inspired to write a letter (maybe even several!) home. Optional: To further inspire your child to write home, you can also encourage him to decorate the self-addressed, stamped envelops and provide him the opportunity to practice address-writing as well. Letter-writing and self-expression are important personal and academic skills. Personally, this type of writing helps your child stay connected to you and to the world they know, while branching out and making sense of whats coming their way. Academically, letter writing is a part of the language arts curriculum and is something all elementary school children must learn. Having your child practice writing letters in this activity helps him build his academic writing skills in a way that is natural, practical, and enduring.
Copyright 2006-2013 Education.com All Rights Reserved.

Make a Scrapbook!
Turn those long summer days into a memorable project by inviting your child to create a summer scrapbook! She can write poems, include pictures and share all her special summer memories!

What You Need:

Tag Board Ruler Scissors Hole punch White paper Twine Letter stamps or stickers

What You Do:

1. Invite your child to find a piece of tag board or re-purpose a piece of cardboard for making the front and back cover of her summer scrapbook. 2. Now she can use a ruler to measure and then cut the front and back cover for her summer scrapbook. 3. To create the pages for her summer scrapbook she can use some white paper, measured and cut the same size as her front and back cover. She can decide how many pages she would like her scrapbook to have. 4. Now she can use the hole punch to create holes along the topsides of her book, making sure they all line up! 5. Offer your child a length of twine or string to use for binding her summer scrapbooks. All books have some sort of binding, or way to hold or fasten the book together. Otherwise, her scrapbook pages would all come out! She can experiment with weaving her twine in and out of her holes to create an interesting design and then tie a double knot when finished. 6. Now your child can use letter stamps, stickers and paint to decorate the front of her summer scrapbook! Encourage her to carry her summer scrapbook with her to document all the wonderful things that happen during her summer
Copyright 2006-2013 Education.com All Rights Reserved.

craft

1. Cut out the square and glue the blank side to colored paper. 2. Cut down the dashed lines. 3. Gather every other corner and gently fold towards the center. 4. Use a pushpin to hold each fold in the center. 5. Keeping all pieces together, push the pin through the eraser on a pencil. 6. Bring it outside to watch it catch the wind!

cool SUMMER ! l e e h w n i p
YOU WILL NEED: -Scissors -Glue -1 Pushpin -1 Pencil with an eraser

Copyright 2012-2013 by Education.com

More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets

TRAVEL
campfire forest

CAMPING
squirrel

Color in each object or scenery that you see. Call out BINGO! once you have colored in a line of squares across, down, or diagonally.

pond

flashlight

frog

marshmallows

tent

After coloring in the pictures, you can still use this page for your next trip! Have a grown-up help cut out these circles. Then place them over the squares as you spot an object or scenery.

est ks b n r o W ted o prin r paper! e thick

Created by :

Copyright 2010-2011 Education.com

www.education.com/worksheets

5 Ideas for Great Camp Care Packages

If you went to sleepaway camp, you probably remember the delicious anticipation at mail time when youd find out if you or one of your bunkmates managed to snag a care package. Guess what? Times have changed. And brown boxes overflowing with squirt cheese, M&Ms, and chips are nothing more than nostalgia, my friend. These days, most camps have someone stationed in the mail room, scouring packages in search of junk food. You can send it, but more likely than not, your kid wont get it. Still, that doesnt mean that all the fun of the care package is gone. It just takes a little more ingenuity to fill a box with more than empty calories and sugar. Here are 5 cool ideas for stuffing a package with kid-friendly surprises: 1. The Boredom Buster. Sure, camp has tons of activities planned for your kid. But theres still plenty of downtime. Keep boredom at bay with a package full of puzzles, Mad Libs, brainteasers, mazes, or other pencil-pushing entertainments. 2. The Entertainer. Got a kid who likes to be the center of attention? Fill your box with a deck of cards (and some handwritten directions on how to play stalwarts like War, Crazy 8s, Pig, Slapjack, and other favorites from your own childhood). Toss in a cool book like Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic (Running Press, 2003) and a few packaged magic tricks to get your kid started, and youre in business. 3. The Bookworm. At home, it may be near impossible to pry your child from the TV, but camp offers a great excuse to get him hooked on books. Dont worry too much about finding something overly educationalthe important thing is getting your child excited to read. The newest Artemis Fowl book is about to hit bookstores in July 15th, but you can put in a pre-order right now. Want something with a little Hollywood buzz? The City of Ember will hit theaters in October, and Kit Kittredge American Girl comes to movie screens this July, but your kid can get a jump on it by cracking the book-versions. For Harry Potter fans, we suggest The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, or anything by Cornelia Funke (Inkheart, The Thief Lord) Adventurous souls might like The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden, or for an oldie but goodie, tuck in a copy of Norton Justers classic, The Phantom Tollbooth.

13

4. Primp and Pamper. With all that dirt, bug repellent, and nature, its possible your kid could use a little box of glamour. Pack up some cool flip flops, a new shower caddy, and some potions and lotions that smell nice for a mid-summer pick-me-up. Or get the whole bunk

5 Ideas for Great Camp Care Packages

Continued from previous page involved with a Spa in a Box: send enough nail polish, cotton balls, polish remover, and files for a pedicure party. Your kids friends will have the coolest toes in town. 5. The Grab Bag. Sometimes the most fun part of opening a package is the incredible randomness of whats inside. Stuff your box with an assortment of useful, fun, and downright kooky trinkets. Temporary tattoos, activity books that use invisible ink, a magic 8 ball, some stationary for sending letters home, and a lapdesk to make writing from his bunk easier. Throw in a pillowcase in a bright color and a permanent marker for your childs bunkmates to autograph. Include a few magazines (click here for a recent Education.com roundup of our favorites), a Frisbee or set of water guns, or some art supplies like string for friendship bracelets, colored paper and a paper airplane book, origami, or a craft kit like Klutzs Learn to Knit Knitting Kit. And dont forget to tuck in an address book, so your child can record the contact info for all her new friends once summer comes to a close... For parents who dont know what to pack, or those just too busy to pack it up themselves, here are four reliable companies that put the care in care package: www.just4camp.com www.thewrinkledegg.com www.beyondbookmarks.com www.eswak.com

Copyright 2006-2013 Education.com All Rights Reserved.

14

7 Ways to Prevent Homesickness at Sleepaway Camp

Whether your child has been begging you to send her to sleepover camp, or youve been trying to convince her to go, you may be unsure about what signs of readiness you should be looking for. A kid who can easily handle a sleepover party and seems independent and enthusiastic about camp will probably be ready for the camp experience. Some children, however, cant easily communicate what they need, and they may not even realize that sleepover camp would be helpful to them. Some kids need camp for the very reasons which would make it hard for them to explain if they are ready: like being shy, nervous or needing help with their social skills, explains Gregg Parker, Owner/Director of Camp Waziyatah in Waterford, Maine. The parents job here is to know whats best for their kids. Research by the ACA (American Camp Association) has shown that campers can receive lasting benefits from attending sleepover camp, such as increased self-confidence, adventurousness, and the ability to stand up for themselves. Be the parent, says Parker. Dont let fear rule the day. You shouldnt force your child into camp, but encourage them strongly so they dont back out of something that will be wonderful and a great experience for them.

Prepping Your Child:

So you think that your child is ready for sleepover camp, but youd like to do your best to make sure that this first year will be a good one. Here are some tips you can use to make sure that your child will be ready for the independence that sleepover camps provide: Encourage your budding camper to attend sleepovers at friends houses to get used to the idea of being away from you. Look at the camp website and any brochures or other materials that the camp may have sent. Get excited! Talk up all of the fun activities that are available at camp, including sports, social events and camp-wide get-togethers. Any available videos, slideshows, or pictures from previous summers can get your child pumped up for the camp experience.

15

Start packing for camp early, and dont hesitate to have fun with shopping for camp gear. (Just remember: Whatever you pack is

7 Ways to Prevent Homesickness at Sleepaway Camp

Continued from previous page likely to get ruined, so dont send anything you really want to make it back home!) Encourage your child to read books about sleepover camp, preferably those that paint camp in a positive light. If your child enjoys mysteries, try The Summer Camp Mystery (about the Boxcar Children) or Cam Jansen: The Summer Camp Mysteries. Non-fiction options include Lights Out!: Kids Talk About Summer Camp and Sleepaway: The Girls of Summer and the Camps They Love.

Pre-Camp Fears:
Even once children have decided that theyre ready to go to camp, they may still get nervous once the summer approaches. Most kids are excited about going to camp and have no worries at all, but some are a bit nervous, which is understandable, says Parker. It is our opinion that if kids have agreed to go, it would be a bad choice to allow them to back out. We dont believe that it teaches them the right values to quit on something simply based on normal nervousness. However, if youve made your efforts to prepare your kids and you still feel theyre absolutely unable to handle camp, then this may not be your year. Consider a camp visit in preparation for attending the following year. But how can you minimize the chance pre-camp fears cascading into full-scale homesickness? Recruit a friend. Talk to the parents of your kids friends to see if you can recruit a camping buddy for your child to go with. A familiar face can help to smooth over the transition. Get the scoop. Talk to the camp director about your childs concerns before camp. If hes afraid of horses or allergic to peanuts, its your job to ensure that your little ones needs will be taken into account. Comfort, delivered. Consider sending a care package with an encouraging note before camp begins thatll be waiting when your child arrives on the first day of camp. That way, youll help ease his anxiety and get his experience off on the right foot.

Dealing with Homesickness

Its the fear that most parents have when they send their kids away to sleepover camp: homesickness. According to Parker, many kids experience a basic longing for home, but its very rare that a child exhibits strong homesickness. In fact, homesickness usually goes

16

7 Ways to Prevent Homesickness at Sleepaway Camp

Continued from previous page away within two or three days of arriving at camp. It is important to note that getting over homesickness is empowering for kids. Some of our happiest campers started out homesick and now are our strongest supporters. Its a life-changing experience and once they get over the natural homesickness, they feel good about themselves. While you cant ensure that your child will make it through the first summer of camp without yearning for home, you can try to avoid making mistakes that can cause homesickness in the first place, or make it worse once it begins. DONT bribe your child for going to camp. Children should view camp as a fun and rewarding experience, not as a chore they need to do in order to receive a prize. DONT make deals with your child that promise to pick them up early if they want you to. Kids must focus on the experience of camp, explains Parker, and offering to let them call or come home if it doesnt work out sends the wrong message. It makes kids focus on home rather than camp, which is the opposite of how to get quickly past any feelings of homesickness. DONT write anything to your child that will make them feel like they are missing out by being away from home. Saying We miss you so much wish you were here! or Guess what you missed out on because you were away? can make your child wish that they were home, rather than focusing on the fun they are having in camp. With a little pep talk and a lot of planning, summer camp can be an enriching experience for even the most shy of children. Armed with the advice above, start your camp preparation now. Your child will thank you after he experiences a summer of laughter.

17

The Bottom Line on Camp Costs

Want to send your kid to camp, but not sure you can afford it? The good news is, with more than 7,000 resident camps in the U.S. alone, theres a camp for just about every budget. Fees vary, but generally range from $201 to $400 a week for ACA-accredited resident camps, and $75 to $300 a week for day camp. Parents may reduce the costs by asking the right questions. When talking with the camp director, parents should ask the following: What is the refund policy? Refund policies vary greatly from camp to camp. Some refund for illness only, some will give a total refund prior to a certain date, and some dont refund at all. Most camps will ask for a small nonrefundable deposit at the time of application, which may or may not go toward the cost of tuition. It is important to know the refund policy before you send any money. Many camps offer camp-erships, which is a partial or total subsidy of the tuition costs, but parents need to ask if they are available. Although they are usually awarded based on need, dont assume that you make too much to qualify. It is important to apply early. Day camps will typically include transportation as part of their tuition. Resident camps may offer limited transportation, such as a van ride from a major local train station. Other amenities to ask about are fees for special programs and trips, laundry service, camp canteen, special equipment that is required, and service organization membership. Also, ask the camp director if it is appropriate to send spending money with your child. Often, camps will offer special discounts for such things as early registration, full-season enrollment, and enrollment of multiple family members. If more than one special discount applies, parents may only be able to take advantage of one.

Is there financial assistance available?

What is included in the tuition?

Are special discounts available?

Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association, Copyright 2005, American Camping Association, Inc.

18

Help for Homesick Campers

Homesickness can overshadow the joys of a childs summer camp experience, but support from camp counselors and parents can help children cope with this problem. To help a homesick child, parents must be sympathetic and at the same time set limits. In the long run, working through homesickness can better equip children to cope with future separations and adjustments to new situations.

Why Children Get Homesick

Homesickness is often caused by anxiety over separation from parents. Although the problem is most common among first-time campers, especially those attending sleep-away camps, even experienced campers can be affected.

What Parents Can Do

Keep connections to home. A child can be reassured through letters, or care packages of books, baseball cards or other treats from home. A teddy bear, toy or other special item from home can be of particular comfort to a younger child. It is not advisable to send a beloved toy since the child could be upset if it was lost or broken. Some camps have the capability to stay connected via e-mail. Parents should be careful about having these virtual calls and visits interfere with adjustment. Make the separation gradual. Slowly getting the child used to being away is generally helpful for homesickness. If possible, parents should telephone the child daily at the same time for a few days, gradually reducing the frequency and length of calls. During the call, parents can acknowledge their childs fears, but also reinforce their pride in the childs being in camp and his or her achievement in activities. Parents should also keep in mind that one or two dramatic letters or calls indicating homesickness may be an exaggeration and a natural part of the adjustment. Being patient is often the solution. The child who hated camp the first week may be the same child who begs to go back next summer. Monitor their own separation difficulties. Parents should be sensitive to their own anxiety about the separation. Children easily can pick up a parents worry and feel unsure about going off on their own.

19

Enlist the help of siblings. If older siblings are attending the same camp, parents can make arrangements for visual contact and a few minutes for the children to talk each day. This helps reassure the

Help for Homesick Campers

Continued from previous page homesick child but does not cast the older child as a caretaker -- a situation that can cause resentment. Work with camp staff. Camp counselors can have an important role in the adjustment process. They can ease the adjustment by preventing teasing and by encouraging a child to participate in activities. If a child is having extreme difficulty, parents should be sure there is no objective reason for the childs unhappiness such as scapegoating by other children or counselors, or a bad experience with an activity. Take the child home. In some circumstances the camp and camper are a bad fit and the child needs to return home. Structuring the remaining time at home is key to keeping the child productive and minimizing any blows to his self-esteem. Rather than portray the situation as a defeat, it can be discussed as a challenging experience that was worth exploring. Talking specifically about what worked or did not work can be beneficial for helping the child handle future camp-like experiences. Parents should also be sensitive to any emerging anxiety issues that may warrant further evaluation .

20