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5 Tips for Sending Your Kid to Summer Camp for the First Time (Without Losing Your Mind)🎒💌

There’s something deeply special—and let’s be honest, a little nerve-wracking—about sending your child off to summer camp for the first time. For your kid, it’s a big adventure filled with new friends, bunk beds, and s’mores. For you? It’s a bittersweet moment of letting go (and probably overpacking... just a little).

Whether your little one is headed to a weeklong day camp or a sleepaway camp in the woods, here are five tips to make the transition easier for both of you:

1. Practice a Few "Camp-Style" Days at Home 🏕️

Before they zip up that duffel bag, do a couple of practice runs. Let them pick out their clothes for the day, pack a lunch, and go device-free for a few hours. The goal isn’t to mimic camp exactly, but to help them feel more confident managing little things on their own—like brushing their teeth without reminders or keeping track of their water bottle.

2. Pack Familiar Comforts (But Not the Entire Toy Bin) 💌

A small comfort item—like a worn-in book, a favorite hat, or even a note from home tucked into their socks—can go a long way in helping with homesickness. Try to avoid sending anything too precious or irreplaceable (camp laundry has claimed many a stuffed animal), but do include a little something that feels like home.

3. Snack Smart 🍎

Camp is full of activity, and kids burn through energy quickly. While most camps provide meals, a few familiar snacks from home can be a great pick-me-up between canoe trips and arts & crafts. Look for options that are easy to pack, made with clean ingredients, and don't melt in the sun.

4. Don’t Let Your Worries Show (Too Much) ❤️

Kids pick up on our energy more than we realize. If you’re feeling anxious, try to talk through those feelings with another adult—not in front of your camper. A simple “You’re going to have so much fun—I can’t wait to hear all about it!” can help set a positive tone and ease their jitters.

5. Plan Something Fun for Yourself, Too✨

This isn’t just a milestone for your child—it’s one for you, too. Use the time to recharge, reconnect with a hobby, or plan a special date night. It can be easy to focus all your energy on making sure they’re okay, but a little intentional joy on your end can help the days go by more smoothly—and remind you that this independence thing is a win for both of you.

Final Thoughts

The first summer camp experience is a leap—for your child and for you. There will probably be a few nerves, maybe a few tears (from either side), but also so much growth. Trust that you've prepared them well, sneak a few healthy snacks into their bag, and get ready for some pretty epic stories when they come back home.

Here’s to a summer full of adventure, confidence-building, and just the right amount of dirt on their socks.

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