Anne Malinoski
The awesome benefits of camp
aren’t just for social butterflies. If your shy kid has expressed worry about attending camp, invite him to keep an open mind. Camp offers many opportunities for growth and friendship. Chances are you’ll both be glad you gave it a try. Shannan Rebold encouraged her 12-year-old son to attend camp last summer, even though he was anxious about making friends. “He warmed up with the encouragement of awesome camp counselors,” she says. He had a blast and looked forward to returning to camp each day. Here are tips for an apprehensive child’s first camp experience. There are amazing rewards once the nerves have been conquered.
Prepare. Children feel less
Tips for sending shy kids to
Summer Camp 16 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2019
anxious when they know what to expect. In the weeks leading up to camp, take time to share your favorite camp experiences and talk about the activities they might try at camp. If necessary, contact the director for additional support. Rebold says the camp staff at CYT (Christian Youth Theater) was happy to help. “The leadership did a great job giving us an outline of the camp, so I could give my kids a snapshot of their upcoming week. That helped a lot.”
Go with a Buddy. If your child
is nervous about camp, consider selecting one that he can attend with a friend or sibling. Even if they aren’t in the same group, it might ease his mind to know that a loved one is nearby. If that’s not possible, ask a counselor to facilitate a few introductions