The first day of summer camp is an exciting milestone for kids and parents alike! Whether your child is a first-time camper or a returning pro, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring they feel confident, excited, and ready for all the fun that awaits.
At Stutelage, we want to make the transition as smooth as possible for families, so we’ve compiled some helpful tips to set your child up for success.
One of the biggest worries for kids starting camp is wondering who will be there to take care of them. While campers won’t meet their teachers ahead of time, you can help ease their nerves by visiting our website to view teacher pictures and bios before camp starts.
Sit down with your child and show them the friendly faces they’ll see at camp. You can read fun facts about their teachers, talk about what they might be like, and help them feel more comfortable knowing who will be leading the fun. This small step can make a big difference in reducing first-day jitters!
Kids thrive on routine and knowing what to expect. At Stutelage, we provide a detailed schedule of activities so you and your child can get a sneak peek at the fun they’ll have each day. Simply visit our registration site and click “View More Details” under the session name to see the exact activities your child will participate in at camp.
Before camp starts, sit down with your child and go over the activities planned for their session. Will they be making slime? Doing a LEGO challenge? Having a dance party? Talking through what’s ahead can build excitement and help them feel more prepared for the day.
At Stutelage, we do not allow parents inside the building during camp for safety purposes. Instead, children are dropped off at the door and welcomed by our friendly staff.
For some children, this can feel overwhelming, especially if they’re used to parents walking them into school or other activities. You can help make the transition smoother by preparing them ahead of time:
✔️ Explain the drop-off process in advance so they know what to expect.
✔️ Reassure them that they will be greeted by a teacher right away and taken to their camp group.
✔️ Keep drop-offs quick and positive—a confident and cheerful goodbye helps kids feel secure and ready to start their day!
Encourage your child to speak up if they need something during camp. Whether they feel sick, need help with an activity, or need encouragement to make new friends, it’s important for them to know that their teachers are there to support them.
Let them know they can:
✔️ Tell a teacher if they need a break or aren’t feeling well.
✔️ Ask for help if they don’t understand an activity or need assistance.
✔️ Let a teacher know if they’re feeling shy or nervous so we can help them feel included.
At Stutelage, our teachers work hard to make sure every camper feels comfortable, included, and safe. Reminding your child that it’s okay to ask for help can improve their in their confidence and overall experience.
If your child is new to camp, this might be the first time they’re spending an extended period away from home in a group setting. You can help them adjust by encouraging small acts of independence leading up to their first day.
✔️ Let them practice opening their lunchbox, water bottle, and snack containers on their own.
✔️ Teach them how to ask an adult for help if they need it.
✔️ Remind them to clean up after themselves and take responsibility for their belongings.
These simple skills will give them a sense of confidence and make their camp experience more enjoyable.
Help your child feel in control and ready by packing their camp bag together the night before. Avoid sending in electronics, toys, or stuffed animals as these aren’t allowed out of the backpack at camp. Leaving them at home will reduce your child’s desire to get them during camp. Some of our specific camps do allow specific toys. For example, campers are encouraged to bring a doll for our American Girl Doll camp.
At Stutelage, kids should bring:
✔️ A backpack
✔️ A labeled water bottle
✔️ A nut-free lunch and snack (if they’re attending both morning and afternoon camps, they’ll need two snacks)
Involving them in the packing process helps eliminate surprises and ensures they have everything they need for a fun day!
The best thing you can do to prepare your child for summer camp is to build excitement about all the fun they’ll have. Talk about how great their camp theme is, remind them of all the cool activities they’ll get to do, and let them know how proud you are of them for trying something new. If your child seems a little nervous, that’s completely normal! Reassure them that it’s okay to feel that way and that their teachers and new friends will help them feel comfortable.
At Stutelage, we want every camper to feel safe, happy, and excited to learn and play. By taking these small steps before their first day, you can help set them up for an amazing camp experience. We can’t wait to see them this summer!
Have questions? Contact us anytime—we’re happy to help!
