Summer camp is often remembered as one of the most meaningful experiences of childhood. Beyond arts and crafts, sports, field games, and outdoor adventures, camp provides opportunities for children to build confidence, develop friendships, practice independence, and strengthen important social-emotional skills.

For many children, camp is exciting. For others, it can bring uncertainty, nervousness, or questions about what to expect. The good news is that a little preparation can help children feel more confident and set them up for a successful experience.

Research consistently shows that high-quality camp experiences promote social growth, emotional resilience, independence, and self-confidence. According to the American Camp Association (ACA), children who attend camp often demonstrate improvements in making friends, trying new activities, problem-solving, and developing a positive sense of self.

As parents, there are several ways you can help your child prepare before the first day of camp arrives.

1. Talk About What to Expect

One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is to increase predictability.

Children often feel more comfortable when they know what a typical day will look like. Before camp begins, spend time discussing the schedule, activities, counselors, and routines they can expect.

You might talk about:

Meeting new peers
Participating in group activities
Eating lunch with others
Following a schedule
Asking adults for help
Trying new experiences

When discussing camp, avoid focusing only on the exciting parts. It is equally important to acknowledge that children may experience a mix of emotions.

You might say:

“It’s okay to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Many kids feel that way when they start something new.”

Research on child anxiety suggests that validating emotions while encouraging participation helps children build confidence and resilience more effectively than attempting to eliminate their worries altogether.

2. Practice Friendship Skills Before Camp Begins

Camp is a social environment, which means friendship skills become especially important.

Many children benefit from practicing basic social skills before camp starts. These skills may include:

Greeting peers
Introducing themselves
Asking questions
Joining group activities
Sharing materials
Taking turns
Listening to others
Handling disagreements respectfully

Role-playing can be particularly helpful. Pretend to be another camper and practice simple conversation starters such as:

“Hi, my name is ____.”
“Can I join your game?”
“What’s your favorite thing to do at camp?”
“Do you want to sit together?”

Research on social competence shows that children often perform better socially when they have opportunities to rehearse skills beforehand rather than learning them entirely in the moment.

3. Build Independence at Home

One of the greatest benefits of camp is that it encourages independence.

Children are often expected to manage personal belongings, follow routines, solve small problems, and communicate their needs throughout the day.

Parents can support this process by practicing independence at home before camp begins.

Consider encouraging your child to:

Pack their backpack
Carry their own belongings
Open lunch containers independently
Fill their water bottle
Follow a simple daily schedule
Clean up after activities

These small opportunities help children develop confidence in their ability to handle responsibilities without constant adult assistance.

Research on child development consistently demonstrates that age-appropriate independence contributes to increased self-efficacy—the belief that one can successfully manage challenges and responsibilities.

4. Prepare for Social and Emotional Challenges

While camp can be incredibly rewarding, it is important to recognize that not every moment will be easy.

Your child may encounter situations such as:

Not being chosen first for a game
Losing a competition
Having a disagreement with a peer
Feeling left out momentarily
Missing home or familiar routines

Rather than trying to prevent all discomfort, help your child develop coping strategies.

You can discuss questions such as:

What can you do if you feel frustrated?
Who can you talk to if you need help?
How can you calm your body when you feel upset?
What can you say if you want to join a group?

Helping children anticipate challenges promotes emotional flexibility and prepares them to navigate difficulties successfully.

5. Encourage Flexible Thinking

One skill that contributes significantly to camp success is flexibility.

Schedules may change. Activities may be canceled. Preferred friends may choose different games. Weather may alter plans.

Children who can adapt to unexpected situations often have a smoother camp experience.

At home, practice discussing “Plan A” and “Plan B” situations.

For example:

“What could you do if the swimming activity is canceled?”

“What if your favorite game isn’t available today?”

These conversations teach children that disappointment is manageable and that alternative options often exist.

Research on resilience suggests that flexible thinking is strongly associated with improved emotional regulation and successful adaptation to new environments.

6. Keep Drop-Offs Positive and Confident

Parents naturally want to reassure children when they feel nervous. However, lengthy or emotional goodbyes can sometimes unintentionally increase anxiety.

Instead, create a simple and predictable drop-off routine.

A helpful routine may include:

A hug
A positive statement
A reminder of pickup time
A confident goodbye

For example:

“Have a great day. I’ll see you after camp, and I can’t wait to hear about it.”

Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. When parents project confidence, children are more likely to feel confident themselves.

7. Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes

Many parents ask questions like:

“Did you make any friends?”

“Did you win?”

“Did you have the best day?”

While these questions are understandable, they can sometimes place pressure on children.

Instead, focus on effort and courage.

Try asking:

“What was something new you tried today?”
“When did you feel proud of yourself?”
“How did you help someone today?”
“What challenge did you overcome?”

Research on growth mindset demonstrates that praising effort rather than outcomes encourages persistence, confidence, and resilience.

Summer Camp as an Opportunity for Growth

The most valuable part of camp is not necessarily the games, crafts, or activities—it is the opportunity for growth.

Children learn to navigate friendships, solve problems, try new experiences, manage emotions, and build confidence in their own abilities. These skills extend far beyond the summer months and support success at school, home, and in future social situations.

At Compass Clinic’s Friendship Island Summer Camp, children are supported by experienced therapists while practicing friendship skills, emotional regulation, teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and social problem-solving in a fun and engaging environment. Through structured activities and real-world social experiences, campers develop skills that continue to benefit them long after summer ends.

With preparation, encouragement, and support, summer camp can become a meaningful opportunity for children to discover just how capable they truly are.

References

American Camp Association. (2023). Benefits of Camp.

American Camp Association. (2019). Directions Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience.

American Psychological Association. (2023). Helping Children Manage Anxiety About New Experiences.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

Weissberg, R. P., Durlak, J. A., Domitrovich, C. E., & Gullotta, T. P. (2015). Social and Emotional Learning: Past, Present, and Future.