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 tons 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 situationw as 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 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
get advice on the Message
Forum
We
recommend the following companies who offer a safe and structured
summer camp experience:
