Get your child ready for an unforgettable summer camp adventure
Is my child ready for camp?
Deciding if you child is ready for camp is important in the success a child will have at camp. Involve your child in deciding whether to come to Camp James by bringing them to an Open House and or letting them look at our website. Children who want to go to camp, as opposed to those who feel forced to go to camp, tend to have a better time.
Camp starts at age 5 and fully potty trained but we do not recommend sending your child to camp as their first time away from mom and dad. Young campers who have already attended pre-school or some form of daycare tend to do better in this large camp environment that requires even our youngest campers to demonstrate independence and self – reliance.
Camp James is made up off all types of campers and team members. Some are loud and proud, and others shy and reserved. Because of the various activities offered at Camp James, we get a wide variety of different types of people. Make sure your child knows what to expect from camp, specifically that activities are set for them as opposed to self -selected.
Families that have children with special needs should contact our office prior to registering to be sure Camp James can make the necessary accommodations.
To be a camper at Camp James without professional support a child must be able to feed, dress, and use the bathroom on their own. A child must be able to be in a group setting, transition from one location to another, and follow directions. Campers must be able to participate safely for themselves, peers, and camp leadership. If your child runs away, will not move during transitions, will not stay with the group and behaves in a harmful manner (towards self or others) parents will be asked to pick up their camper. Referrals to more appropriate programs and refunds (for unused tuition) will be made in these circumstances. If our camp is not a good fit, we are hoping to help you find a better fit for your child’s needs.
Get Your Camper Ready
Tips to Get Your Camper Ready for Camp
Is your child new to summer camp? New to this summer camp? Do they need help with transitions? Don’t we all! Here are a few helpful tips to get them ready for a summer at Camp James and make the transition as smooth as possible!
Label your child’s belongings, be sure to put your child’s first name on the items along with the group name. Putting the group name on it will help us return it to the counselor of that group.
Sunscreen your child before you get to camp, and our staff will help facilitate and remind campers to re-apply. Spray sunscreen works very well for quick coverage, and a sunscreen stick is super helpful for application to the face.
Teach your child to use their “sock lockers” (also known as shoes) so that when they remove their shoes, the socks go in their little “sock lockers” and you might have better luck bringing the socks home at the end of the day.
Have your child pack their own back pack even if they are younger. This allows them to have practice with self reliance, and know what their towel looks like, what kind of sunscreen they have, get their refillable water bottle filled, and if they have a change of clothes what those looks like. It becomes a good teaching moment of learning to take care of their own belongings.
Leave the cell phone at home. Summer camp is a time to actually connect with others in real time. Cell phones are a distraction from the fun, can get sandy and lost in the lagoon, and will be confiscated if seen by a staff member. If a camper expresses a need to call home, they can come to the office and use the camp phone.
Speaking of connecting, your child’s counselor is here for your child. Take time to share your hopes and goals with your child’s counselor. Communication is a vital part of what they do at camp. They want your child to have a magical summer be sure to let them know your concerns, positive thoughts, and ask them questions.
Allow your child to peruse our website and look at some of the pictures. It will get them familiar with the activities they might get to participate.
