2013 Summer Camp Welcome Guide - YMCA of Greater Toronto

Packing and Preparations — A Guide for ParentsGoing away for the first timeComing to YMCA Camp Pine Crest is very exciting for both campers and parents!It’s very natural, however, for both to feel a bit anxious. Campers will be leavingthe comforts of home, adopting new routines and meeting new friends. We wantto minimize first-day anxiety so your child will feel at home at Pine Crest.Our staff are well prepared and understand how to help campers feel comfortable.There are a number of things you can do ahead of time to prepare for the transitionand minimize anxiety so children feel in control over their own experience.• Plan the camper’s journey together as a family. Reviewing this booklet and allother camp information together will provide the opportunity to discuss thecamp experience ahead of time.• Come to one of our Family Information Nights to see pictures of camp.• Talk about the types of things that will happen each day at camp as well as theoverall program. Make sure they know, for example, that they will be going ona canoe trip, that they have the option to swim daily, and that they can chooseactivities with their group.• Make sure your child has a hand in packing for camp. Please send old, recognizableclothes. This will go a long way to make your child feel more at home.• When discussing camp with your child, we recommend that you openly talkabout the possibility of them feeling uneasy in the new environment. It’s quitenatural to feel strange in a new place without their family, but that they canlook forward to sharing stories about the wonderful time they had at camp.• Write a letter to your child before they leave so that they receive it close to the firstday of camp. This often is the most reassuring message that they are not missinganything at home and can be free to enjoy themselves in their new adventure.7