First-time away experiences for children can cause an increase in anxiety. At a certain age, you might consider if it is time for your child to experience summer camp. Although your child might be at the age to spend time away, are they ready? Kids tend to begin attending summer camp at the mere age of eight years old. However, some kids might not be ready until they are 13 or 14. A child’s maturity and personality can determine if they are ready for camp.

Independent

While children are mostly dependent on their parents, personality traits can exhibit if a child is more independent or not. Independence plays a huge role in determining if children are ready for camp. At camp, parents are not in attendance watching over their children and helping them with small tasks. For example, children must be independent to do tasks such as showering or brushing their teeth. While camp counselors are ready and available to assist with tasks. With a big group of kids, it is impossible to give only one the most attention. Children that know how to complete these tasks and beyond are ready for camp. Other situations children should be able to do is ask for help. Issues arise, and kids should be aware of the best way to ask for help when needed. Perhaps before sending your kids to camp, test how they do at a sleepover with friends.

Confidence

Attending summer camp is an opportunity to experience new activities and meet new people. Going away to camp for the first time is a special experience for a child. However, can your child handle it with confidence? While away, your child will be immersed in new activities. Most of these activities will be some that your child has never tried before, such as canoeing or snorkeling. If your child responds in eagerness to attempt these activities, it may indicate that they are ready for their summer adventure. Obtaining confidence is also imperative to ensure friends are made and adaptation occurs. If you are not certain how your child might react, consider other situations when they need to meet new friends or explore new areas. How did they react? While it is common for some children to be shy at first, they should be willing to branch out eventually.

How Does Your Child Do With Instruction?

During camp, it is no secret that days are filled with activities and rules that need to be followed. Since everything is on a tight schedule, consider if your child follows instructions well. Do they listen? Do they do what they are told? Are they stubborn? Taking note of this can determine if a child is ready. Children are not expected to be perfect at camp, however, rules are put into place to ensure safety. If rules are not followed, then they will have to deal with the consequences. Children should be willing to follow instructions when it comes to bedtime and staying on task.

Is Your Child Requesting to Attend?

If your child is eagerly asking you to sign them up for camp, this might be a sign they are ready to go. Perhaps they got the idea from a magazine or a friend. However, if your child asks, this means they are likely to mature enough to attend.

At Camp Live Oak located in Ft. Lauderdale, children can expect a fun camp experience. With activities centered around unique environments, what is there not to love? For more information, visit Camp Live Oak’s website or give them a call.