For kids between the ages of 5-12, striking the balance between fun, independent play, and the comfort of having a home base to recoup after a long and busy day of activities can be tricky. Which is why our day-based local summer camp is the best of both worlds, suited and tailored for navigating the summer season. Children get to come in and enjoy the very best of their friends, leaders, and the activities planned out for them, and then they get to go home at the end of the day, exhausted and with full hearts to share everything with family members and guardians. Get some rest and then come back the next day!
If you’re on the fence about sending your child to a local summer camp like the Coconut Creek Summer Camp at Providence Children’s Academy, then all you need is the roadmap to prepare your kids in the right ways to set them up for a win.
What to Expect at our Day Summer Camp
First of all, it’s important to understand what exactly a summer camp program is all about, so that you know how to prepare and support your child during the time they attend. In essence, it’s quite simple; in practice, it’s compounded fun and learning new skills with new friends and incredible leaders.
At our camp, children engage in a number of activities, and we host them with a weekly theme for focus and constructive learning. When children enjoy and get used to the structure of everyday school life, it can be tough to adjust to having little to no structure during their break. We ensure we run a structured program that allows for enough free play, fun, and a change of scenery from the usual school and academic routines. In fact, studies have shown that summer camps can actually reinforce and support a child’s mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.
From outdoor sports and adventures, sports, to field trips to museums, water parks, and more, we ensure our camp kids get exposed to:
- Independent and free play in a safe and welcoming environment.
- Parents keep that connection with children through time together after the scheduled day.
- Our kids experience the benefits of social engagement and growth, without any of the pressure.
Preparation is Key to a Week of Fun!
Most of the time, children will feed off the emotions that their parents or guardians give off. If you’re anxious and worried about a week of summer camp, the chances of your kids also being stressed are high. Preparation can truly change the atmosphere for everyone, so take a look at some of our tips below for some helpful ways to remove all fear and embrace the excitement ahead.
Encourage your child to consider participating in activities and what’s going on rather than focusing on being perfect or performing. Remove the pressure and help them feel the excitement.
Keep Communication Clear
If there’s anything we know about children, it’s that they thrive on clear communication from trusted adults and their presence. As you prepare your child for summer camp, give them clear instructions and set the expectations for them from the start.
Consider times, how long things might take, what kinds of snacks they will have, who will be there, and the protocol should they feel ill. These sorts of details ensure your child knows where they can ask for help, and gives the sense of peace and self-confidence as they bravely attend something new.
Prepare Your Child for Making New Friends
The social roadmap for kids can be as complex as the one we experience as adults. Start to encourage your child to be open to new friendships and connections, while making sure they can be themselves. Making new friends is tougher for some kids, especially those who might be a little more introverted. Give them tools and tips for how to engage with other kids, what to do when they feel uncomfortable, and where to go for social security if they are unsure.
These preparation moments can help to ease any tension or fear the child might encounter when going into an unfamiliar social environment. Preparing them well helps to keep them focused on the goal – to have fun, learn new things, and make new friends.
Keep Your Routine Consistent
Predictability is any parent’s tool for handling possible anxiety in children. When children are contained in a proper structure and routine, do’s and don’ts, and a predictable schedule, they can learn to cope a lot better with new environments and people. Predictability reduces anxiety for any of us, and for children, it provides a much-needed sense of control and “I’ve got this!”
When they know when the next milestones are throughout the week and days of camp, they’ll be much more comfortable knowing everything will work out. Ensure you pack a great lunch for them too, so they have the energy and focus they need to enjoy everything they do.
Register Your Child For A Local Summer Camp Program You Can Rely On
If you live in Coconut Creek and haven’t enrolled your child in a summer program, now is a great time to consider doing so. Give your children something fun to look forward to during their break and schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you and your child!
To learn more about how to enroll your child in a local summer camp, give us a call at 954-570-6914.