Advice
For Parents
This
summer, thousands of young people from all across the
world will be in the same situation as your child who
will be getting their first taste of independence at
a summer camp. The excitement of seeing your child go
and work at a summer camp, is usually often mixed with
the anxiety of letting them go away - perhaps for the
first time. Even teenagers and people who aren't particularly
anxious often get a little nervous as this summer event
approaches, as you will for them.
I
was just eighteen years old when I first went to camp,
I had been on lots of family holidays and also been
away with friends but this was my first time going abroad
alone. My parents were in the same situation some of
you may find yourself in. One way they got to grips
with the situation was to come with me to the summer
camp convention fares which are held all over Europe.
It was here they got to ask professional staff questions
which put their minds at ease. The large percentage
of the thousands of International staff who go to work
at summer camps have a great time, and many return for
a second summer.
To
help your child adjust more quickly to being on their
own, keep your good-byes short. Difficult as it may
be try not to cry, walk out the door quickly, it's the
best strategy. Your son / daughter if they are going
alone will meet so many new friends from all over the
world, when I was dropped off at the airport to catch
my flight I met so many other young people who were
in exactly the same situation as me, as you can imagine
it was hardly lonely, but one great time.
You
can help get your child through the summer by being
positive and remind them that the weeks at camp will
go so quickly and home will still there when they get
back. You do not need to worry about your child's safety
either, they will be very well looked after by the American
staff who generally speaking are extremly friendly and
will openly invite them to their homes or home towns.
Summer camps are probably the most safe environment
I have ever been in. Its hard to describe, its like
a bubble such as shown in the film The Truman Show where
safety is paramount. If there is a family emergency,
such as death and illness, your child always has the
option of going home, remember that.
Make
sure you understand summer camps are in isolated areas
and mobile phone reception could be difficult to come
by. The internet is a great resource to keep in touch,
but even that could be restricted in rural areas. If
you have any questions, or would like to chat to other
parents in your situation please visit our message
forum.
