Parents have waited for Visiting Day since the day they put their child on the bus and now it is here. Visiting day is an exciting day for both parents and children. The American Camp Association, NY and NJ has some tips for parents to ensure they have a successful visiting day and recommends that parents read the specific visiting day guidelines offered by their child’s camp.
1. Don’t bring banned items to camp which can include iphones, ipads, Gameboys, cameras that record video or any technology with wifi.
2. Limit the amount of food you bring to camp on visiting day and check to make sure the camp allows you to bring food. Some camps have campers with severe food allergies and don’t allow outside food on camp grounds.
3. If the camp has arranged camp activities for the day, participate in what the camp has planned for the parents.
4. Respect the no tipping staff policy if the camp has one.
5. Make sure to arrive on time for the day. You don’t want your child waiting for you when other parents arrive at the set time.
6. Avoid telling your child about all the things they are missing at home while they are at camp. This can make a child feel like they are missing out and can leave them feeling homesick.
7. Don’t make pick up deals with your child. Put the camp time frame in perspective for your child if you sense he or she is missing home. Let them know you are confident that staying at camp will be a great experience.
8. If the policy is to stay at camp on visiting day, honor it.
For families considering camp for summer 2015, call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ at 212.391.5208 for free, one-on-one assistance in setting up camp tours for this summer.
