summer camp preschoolers
This summer many preschool-aged children will be heading to day camp. Day camp for young children has many benefits, such as making new friends and learning to follow directions from adults other than their parents. Many parents also opt to send their child to day camp to help their child continue on a consistent routine of going to daycare or preschool that they have gotten used to during the school year.
Depending on the type of camp, preschoolers may also get the opportunity to learn new skills, such as swimming or gymnastics.
For children who do not attend preschool, day camp can be a good opportunity to get used being in a social environment without their parents for a short period of time. Some parents who will be sending their child to preschool for the first time in the fall use day camp as an opportunity for their child to get comfortable being in a group with other children. Since you can register for most camps on a per-week basis, you can also plan day camps around family vacations and other activities.
Selecting a Camp for Your Preschooler
Day camps range from general camps with a weekly theme to camps that specialize in a specific activity, such as soccer or art. Ihn recommends that parents think about the type of activities that their child enjoys before singing them up for a specialty camp.
When picking a camp, find out the daily camp schedule and determine if the times will work with your child’s routine. If your child still naps, try to pick a half-day camp that ends before your child’s nap time. Pick a camp with a later start time if your child sleeps later in the morning. Be sure to check camp requirements carefully if your child is not potty trained.
Consider having your preschooler attend day camp with a friend. When you register for camp, be sure to let the camp director know that she is attending with a friend so that she can keep them in the same group during camp.
Check to see if your child’s preschool offers a summer day camp. Many preschools have summer camps for preschool children who attended their school the past school year or will be attending in the fall. Preschools typically use a curriculum for camp that is similar to their school-year routine, but often have more outside activities and free play.
Transitioning to the Camp
If your child is going to be attending camp at a new place, consider visiting the facility with your preschooler before the first day. Find out the drop off procedures and explain to your child how the first day of camp will work. Some camps prefer parents to drop their child off while others are open to parents walking in and helping their child transition. Tell your child that you will be back to pick them up at a specific time and where you will be picking them up.
Jennifer Gregory is the mom of two kids and three dogs. Her daughter’s favorite preschool day camp was “Messy Art” while son was partial to preschool sports camp.