Five Tips to make the most of your child’s summer adventure camp experience!
You signed up for Calleva! Congratulations! Your kiddo is in for a real TREAT and so much adventure. We pride ourselves on really immersing campers & staff alike in all that outdoors has to offer – jumping in the refreshing, natural (maybe not so clear!) swim holes, finding toads & showing them off, making mud art on our skin & faces, sweating hard & hydrating hard, and using the facili-trees or porta potties when on the go.
For many of our campers, these are BRAND NEW experiences. And when they are asked to have a full day of brand new experiences – that can be a lot! We find that most campers thrive with these new experiences and by the end of the week (if not the end of the day!) – they are hungry for more. In order to help your camper transition into a full day outside, we have come up with the 5 things parents can do to encourage their campers & make the most of their week!
1
Be Aware of Your Own Fears
What concerns you, typically concerns your child! If getting dirty makes you feel icky, your camper will think they won’t like it either. If using porta potties is something you avoid like the plague, your camper will likely try to avoid it as well. The more families are able to “spread the positivity” (even maybe about things they don’t particularly love!) about all things camp, the more likely the experience is to be positive for your younger kiddos.
For example, instead of saying, “I hate bugs,” try saying, “I wonder what cool critters you’ll spot!” When your kids gets in your car all dirty or pulls out wet, dirty clothes from their camp bag, celebrate their level of participation. Kids who are not participating in the fun of camp rarely get very dirty. By showing enthusiasm for outdoor adventures, you’re helping your child embrace every aspect of camp with a positive attitude. We embrace all things about the outdoor experience. We find that the dirtier the kids are, the more they are having fun. Encourage them to think of dirt as a badge of honor.
2
Talk Through Any Nerves
Every camper has their worries, and that’s okay! Whether they’re nervous about making new friends, getting dirty, or trying something outside their comfort zone, open conversations at home can help ease their anxieties.
The more campers can discuss their worries or concerns with their parents and get a positive push from home, the more likely they are to LOVE CAMP. We find that the more confident kids are sharing concerns at home, the more we are able to support them at camp. Thus, having them stand up for their own needs.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What are you most excited about at camp?” or “Is there anything you’re nervous about?” Reassure them that it’s normal to feel unsure and that challenges are part of the adventure. Share personal stories of times you faced something new and grew from it—it’s a great way to model courage.
Remember, when kids feel supported at home, they’re more likely to voice their needs and tackle challenges with confidence during camp.
3
Embrace the Amphibian Lifestyle
At Calleva and most summer adventure camps, water is a big part of the experience. Camp is in & out of the water, in the rain, around the sprinklers & water guns – we make sure campers get wet! The less “logistics” campers have to deal with, meaning changing their clothes & shoes each time they get in and out of the water, the happier they tend to be!
Parents can help get there campers used to the “camp fits” and practice being in wet shoes, shorts & t-shirts! To help your child thrive, encourage them to get comfortable staying in wet clothes and shoes. You can practice at home by letting them splash in the sprinkler or wear water-friendly gear for extended play.
Opt for quick-drying shorts, t-shirts, and sturdy sandals or shoes that can handle water and mud. Remind them that the less they worry about changing clothes, the more they’ll enjoy camp activities—and the memories that come with them.
4
Pack All the Snacks
Adventuring in the great outdoors works up a serious appetite! Also, so many moments that can feel big can be fixed by just a lil snack. Expect your camper to eat far more than you anticipate. Most campers are ready for lunch by mid-morning. So a well-stocked backpack of snacks can make all the difference.
Pack a mix of energy-boosting options like granola bars, trail mix, fruit, and crackers. It’s also helpful to include some of their favorite comfort snacks to give them a little taste of home. Don’t forget to check for any food allergy policies before packing.
Encourage your child to listen to their body and grab a snack whenever they need one. A little fuel can turn a tough moment into a triumphant one!
5
Plan for Post-Camp Fatigue
It’s hot! And humid! Your kids will be running around and moving on uneven terrain & in and out of new pieces of gear. It’s normal for them to come home tired—sometimes even exhausted.
They will certainly feel the excitement and bring it home with them. Help them recover by keeping evenings low-key. Plan simple, relaxing activities like reading, drawing, or watching a favorite show. Make hydration a priority, encourage them to talk about their day, and ensure they get to bed early. A good night’s sleep will have them ready to tackle the next day’s adventures!
Bonus Tips for Parents of First-Time Campers
- Label Everything: From water bottles to socks, clearly label all your child’s gear to avoid mix-ups.
- Practice Independence: Encourage them to practice tasks like putting on sunscreen or packing their own backpack.
- Celebrate Wins: When they come home with muddy clothes and big stories, celebrate their adventurous spirit!
By preparing your camper for all-day outdoor fun, you’re setting them up for a successful and memorable summer adventure. Camps like Calleva provide an incredible opportunity for kids to connect with nature, make new friends, and grow in confidence. With these tips, your child will be ready to dive in, get dirty, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for more ways to prepare for summer adventure camp? Check out our packing guide for campers and parent testimonials to see why Calleva is a top choice for families in the DMV area.
Olivia Murphy
Events Director & Farm Camp Director
Olivia is the Farm Camp Director and Calleva’s Events Director. She has been with the Calleva team since Summer 2008 starting as a JC for the excitement of a paycheck. Her favorite part of being at Calleva is the unceasing entertainment.
She is also a whitewater kayak instructor and loves to mountain bike, whichever is seasonally appropriate would be her favorite at the time. Olivia enjoys how EVERY day is different and that she gets to work with a STELLAR team.
