We’re Headed to Camp Klotty Pine August 2-7!
The countdown has begun, and the camp experience truly starts before your camper even steps onto the bus. Families are preparing together to help their children feel confident and excited so that they’re ready for a week of independence, adventure, and fun! Let’s get packing!
Packing for camp might feel overwhelming, but it’s also a great opportunity to involve your camper and build excitement. Going through the packing list together helps them take ownership of their belongings and decisions—like what to wear, how to prepare for different activities, and what not to bring. It’s also your chance to make sure unnecessary or banned items (like electronics) stay at home. These discussions can be great moments to gently shift the focus back to the joys of camp like, nature, friendship, and independence. And trust us, they won’t even miss their tablet or the dozen stuffed animals they swore they needed! (Be sure to review the packing list in the Caregiver Guide.)
Talk About Camp
In the weeks leading up to camp, make it part of your daily conversation. Ask your camper how they’re feeling. What are they excited about? Do they have any questions or worries? Sharing your own positive memories of camp or talking about the fun activities they’ll get to try, can help build anticipation. If your child is nervous about being away from home, that’s completely normal. You might consider sending them with a short, encouraging note they can read if they feel homesick. Focus on boosting their confidence, not making promises to come home early or emphasizing how much you’ll miss them. Practice Makes Prepared
Camp is a great opportunity for kids to grow with responsibility and independence. You can help by starting now:
• Have them practice personal hygiene routines like brushing teeth, showering, brushing hair, and applying sunscreen, on their own.
• Encourage them to keep track of their belongings, tidy up their space, and make their bed with minimal reminders.
Camp staff will support your child, of course, but they’ll appreciate a camper who arrives with some of these habits already in place. It’s also a great idea to start getting your camper used to outdoor activities. Go for a family hike, take a swim in the lake, or even plan a backyard campout. These experiences build comfort and confidence in the natural environment they’ll be in at camp. Preparing for Overnights
Whether it’s a weekend at grandma and grandpa’s house or a night at a friend’s, a few sleepovers can work wonders. Your camper will learn to manage away from home, and have fun doing it!
welcome them! Click here for more information. We can’t wait to see you! Contact our Camp Director, Karin Koppen at kkoppen@glhf.org for more information.