Preschoolers need to stay active and in a routine in the summer, but how do you know when it’s the right time— for them, and for you—to start camp? Experts share tips on how to know if your preschooler is ready, how much they can handle, and what you need to know before signing up for a program.
WHEN TO START
How do you know when your child—and you—are ready for camp? The easy answer is when your kid starts to show a love for exploration, says Ashley Donohue, director of Apple Montessori in Warren. “They may show interest in playing with others rather than alongside them, or are more willing to join a new group of children at the playground while you’re there,” she says. “Having a sense of security in their parents can be a huge factor in their readiness for summer camp.”
If your child can dress themselves, is toilet trained, and feels comfortable separating from you, they may be ready for camp, says Finola Colon, senior director, SACC, Camp, Teen & Family at the Madison Area YMCA. “Camp is a wonderful opportunity for preschoolers to continue to develop independence and learn more about themselves,” she says.
When you notice your little one developing, that means it’s time to start your research—and it’s never too early. Even a year before you think you’re ready, Donohue suggests looking into camps, what activities they offer, and what the application process entails.
The American Camp Association, NY & NJ, is a great resource along with online searches (look for camp directories at njfamily.com) and, most importantly, recommendations from other parents. Plan to attend an open house or schedule a camp tour.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Deciding what and where is best for your child can be overwhelming, so start by looking at hours, what a typical day would be like for them, the ratios for each age group, and staff credentials, Donohue suggests. Think about what your child likes to do at home so they can continue having fun and growing while at camp.
Colon says you should ask yourself about your child’s needs and interests, and if the camp aligns with them. Ask your child about what they like to play or create. Ask the camp staff about their activities and summer highlights. And talk with the camp director about safety protocols, plans for inclement weather, and any other policies that are important to you.
Children have different interests, so look into a general day camp, or one that offers specialties. “Each child is unique in their likes or dislikes, so finding what suits them—as well as finding a match for your family’s needs—are the most important,” Donohue says. “A general camp will give you a wide range of activities for children who love everything, are curious, or you are looking for them to expand their interests. A specific type of camp, like sports or dance, will give them the opportunity to enhance their skills in that specific area and if they are passionate about it, it can be a great fit for them!”
GET THE CAMP INVOLVED
A camp director and their staff want what’s best for your child, so get them involved through a camp visit, personal appointment or phone call. The director will generally want to answer all your questions in advance to put your mind at ease.
“You should ask the camp director about the schedule of the day, the activities that are provided for each age group, what to do if your child gets sick, what requirements they have for their staff, and their discipline structure to make sure it is aligned with what you do at home,” Donohue says.
Ask how much experience staff members have with the camp, what training they go through, how they prep for the number of kids attending, and how they handle challenging drop-offs, Donohue says.
BE UPFRONT ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
If your child requires (or needs to avoid) anything—from certain foods to extra attention to any physical assistance—you should explain your child’s specific needs when you talk to the camp staff before you enroll to make sure they can accommodate.
“Confirm that the staff is trained to support neurodiverse campers and understand sensory or behavioral needs,” says Aimee Arguedas, associate director of Childcare Programs, Madison Area YMCA. “Ensure you provide any relevant legal documents, like an IEP or 504 Plan, to help the team best support your child.”
Part of this is also knowing how the camp handles safety protocols or injuries. Do they have EpiPens available? Is there medical staff on site or on call? What are the procedures for visitors and what happens during an emergency?
“Knowing what happens after an injury, what you are notified about, how emergency situations are handled, and whether or not they practice emergency drills are all worth considering ahead of time,” Donohue says. “This level of preparedness is crucial to a child’s day and maintaining a safe and fun environment at camp.”
GET READY TO HAVE FUN!
To make sure your kid has a great experience, prepare them beforehand by telling them your own camp stories, letting them know what to expect, reading books about summer camp— Donohue recommends Summer Vacation, Here I Come by D.J. Steinberg and Summer Camp Critter Jitters by Jory John—and shopping for a new lunch box or bathing suit. “[Getting] them excited about the process is also helpful because the more they are included, the more excited they will be,” she says.
And then, off they go!
