Summer Camp News & Blog - Camp Birchmont

First-Time Parent of a Sleepaway Summer Camper? Here’s What You Should Know.

Posted by Camp Birchmont on January 12th, 2023

Sending your child to sleepaway summer camp for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for first-time parents. Here are some things you should know to help ease your worries and ensure a positive experience for both you and your child:

Do your research: Before choosing a sleepaway camp, do your research and make sure it aligns with your child’s interests and needs. Look into the camp’s policies and procedures, safety measures, staff qualifications, and communication protocols.

Involve your child in the decision-making process: Involve your child in the decision to attend sleepaway camp without letting them be the decision maker. Discuss the camp’s activities, expectations, and rules together. This can help your child feel more comfortable and excited about the experience while the parents are ultimately making the decision based on the things they find most important.

Prepare your child for the experience: Talk to your child about what to expect at sleepaway camp, including the daily routine, accommodations, and activities. You can also practice separation by arranging sleepovers with family or friends beforehand.

Establish communication: Discuss the communication plan with your child beforehand, including how often you will communicate and through what channels. It’s important to balance staying connected with allowing your child to fully immerse in the camp experience.

Manage homesickness: It’s common for children to experience homesickness, especially during the first few days at camp. Remind your child that it’s normal to feel this way and encourage them to talk to their counselor or a trusted staff member if they need support.

Trust the staff: The camp staff is trained to handle a variety of situations and ensure the safety and well-being of campers. Trust that they will take care of your child and address any concerns or issues that arise.

Overall, sending your child to sleepaway summer camp can be a wonderful experience that can help them build independence, make new friends, and try new activities. By preparing yourself and your child for the experience and establishing open communication with the camp staff, you can help ensure a positive and rewarding experience for all involved.

The First Overnights At Camp Can Be Challenging, But It’ll Pass Quickly!

Posted by Camp Birchmont on November 14th, 2022

It’s important to remember that the transition into a sleepaway camp environment can be difficult for both campers and parents. It’s our job to help ease that transition by providing a comforting and supportive environment for all involved. Below are some time tested strategies to make sure our campers and parents make a smooth transition here at Birchmont.

Partnership between camp and home: Providing consistent and united messaging between home and camp are essential for building a camper’s trust and setting them up to succeed and enjoy their new home away from home. Our message should always be that camp is going to be a fun, safe, and positive place for campers to spend their summer. It may be normal to miss home at first, but that will pass. It’s also OK to miss home and still have a great experience at camp! Avoid being guilted into “making deals” to pick a camper up if they don’t like it at first; this will often prevent a child from giving the experience a chance. The best answer to these kinds of questions or requests in the lead up to camp is: “I spent a lot of time making sure Birchmont was the perfect camp for you. I know you will have an amazing time. We are committed to X weeks and then you will be home before you know it!”

Set expectations: We are always clear with campers and parents about what to expect at camp. Going over the camp handbook together and explaining the daily routine, rules, and expectations for behavior help let everyone know what to expect. This can help reduce anxiety and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Create a welcoming environment: We ensure that our campers feel welcomed from the moment they arrive at camp. We always greet them with a smile and show genuine interest in getting to know them. Our cabins are clean and organized and equipped with everything they need to feel comfortable.

Encourage participation: Once campers begin to participate in activities and make new friends, homesickness fades very quickly. From the moment our campers arrive, we intentionally structure opportunities for campers to bond with their cabin mates and participate in group activities. This can help build a sense of community and make campers feel more comfortable and at home quickly.

Communication with parents: Our team is available during camp to let our parents know how their child is doing. We also provide daily pictures to give everyone at home a glimpse into daily camp life. A weekly phone call is provided to help ease any worries parents may have and keep them informed about what their child is experiencing at camp.

Provide support: We are always available to campers and parents if they have questions or concerns. We will listen actively and provide honest and transparent feedback when needed. If a camper is feeling homesick, we always offer extra support and encourage them to talk about their feelings with us so we can help them navigate these perfectly normal feelings.

Be flexible: We understand that not all campers will adapt to the sleepaway camp environment at the same pace. We understand this and provide additional support as needed. We will also facilitate connections where experienced campers can help newer campers adjust to camp life.

With these strategies in mind, camp and home can work together to create a very positive camp experience for everyone involved!

Why Should I Send My Child to a Co-Ed Overnight Camp This Summer?

Posted by Camp Birchmont on October 5th, 2022

Co-ed camps offer a comfortable family atmosphere that is simply not attainable at unisex camps, or separate camps which bill themselves as Brother/Sister camps to attract siblings.

Birchmont activities are both single sex and co-ed depending on the activity: While Birchmont’s athletics are not co-ed, we do host a range of special events, activities, trips and meals which are co-ed. Our campers share the facilities, and pass each other throughout their day, emphasizing an “at-ease” atmosphere rather than stressing the absence of a particular gender.

Promotes healthy relationships: Co-ed overnight camps provide a unique opportunity for children to interact with peers of the opposite gender in a safe and supportive environment. This can help them develop healthy relationships and learn how to communicate and collaborate with others.

Strengthens family bonds: Many siblings and cousins have found great common ground at Birchmont, and the shared experience is one which will carry them through years and distance. The idea of spending one visiting day together as a family, without the logistics of visiting two camps, should not be underestimated.

Feeling connected, accomplished, and making friends is what camp life is all about…no matter your gender.