In light of the tragic floods that took the lives of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic in Texas, many parents of sleepaway campers are on edge. The Local Moms Network asked Alicia Skovera, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, to answer sleep away camp questions about quelling parents’ anxiety around this event, as well as advice on upcoming visiting days and re-entry.
How has the camp community rallied around Camp Mystic and other Texas camps, and camps nationwide?
We are devastated by the unimaginable loss of both campers and staff at Camp Mystic and Heart O’ the Hills due to the tragic flooding in the Texas Hill Country. The camp community is a tight one. When tragedy affects one camp, it is felt by us all.
The American Camp Association has sent out resources to member camps across the country on ways to help those affected by the flooding in Texas. Our organization also hosted a webinar on navigating grief in the camp community, featuring mental health professionals who offered ways to support staff and campers in their grief. We are also awaiting information on how we can provide direct support to the camps and their families affected by the flooding.
What are you telling parents who are nervous about sending their kids to sleepaway camp this summer, in the wake of the tragic TX floods?
Understandably, parents are shaken by the tragic loss of life at Camp Mystic. It is a parent’s worst nightmare, and for parents who have children currently at camp or about to head to camp, it may be causing additional anxiety.
It is important for parents to understand their own camp’s emergency safety plans in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies. If your camp has not sent out recent communication on their safety plans, you should call and ask about them. ACA Accredited summer camps are required to identify and analyze potential risks for their camp, have written procedures for natural disasters, including rehearsals and emergency plans, as well as communication procedures. Camps are required to work with local officials when developing plans, and these plans must be communicated at staff training and discussed throughout the summer.
If your child has seen the news and is asking about their safety at an upcoming camp, how should you talk to them?
It is undoubtedly important to validate your child’s fears and acknowledge their feelings. Going to camp can cause nervousness for any child, and this tragedy could certainly compound it. Share some of the safety information you learned from the camp director with your child, and that there are safety plans in place for a natural disaster that may occur. Let them know that, sadly, natural disasters can occur whether at home or at camp, but that you feel confident that the camp has an emergency plan in place should one occur while at camp. Sharing your positive messages will help to quell any nerves your child may have.
Additionally, create a plan together of what actions your child can take when feeling upset or anxious at camp. Make sure you do not make any promises or deals about coming to pick them up or that they can call you when upset. Help your child identify someone that they can talk to when/if they start to feel upset or anxious. You can also role-play situations where they might be afraid, such as going to sleep at night or trying something new for the first time. Bringing something from home that brings them comfort, such as a stuffed animal, may help. Remember to stay positive and focus on the exciting experiences they will have at camp.
Alicia Skovera, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ
Visiting day is near for many campers—what are a few tips to make the most of it?
Visiting Day is both a fun day for families and can also be difficult for some campers. Campers have been having a great time at camp; however, seeing their parents can be hard and can remind them of how much they have missed them. If your child is having a tough day on Visiting Day, let them know that they can love camp and miss home at the same time. Sharing positive messages about all the activities they love and the friends they have made is essential. Putting the time frame left of camp in perspective for them is also good for them to hear. Camp directors are pros at getting campers back into the swing of things after parents leave, and in no time, your camper will be singing, laughing, and playing just as happily as before you arrived for the day.
On a similar note, any tips for phone calls home, or letters?
It is common for children to get teary on the phone with their parents during a camp phone call. Even if they are having the best time at camp, hearing their parents’ voices can start the tears quickly. Try to ask positive questions on the phone and be as specific as possible. Instead of asking how camp is, ask them to tell you about their favorite activity, the names of their counselors, and to share what their favorite meal is. Just like with visiting day, campers often recover quickly from the phone call, and camp directors get kids right back into activities.
As for homesick letters, know that these letters are frequently written during quiet times at camp, such as rest hour or before bed. This is when children are in quiet moments, and it’s not uncommon for them to want to “get it all out” on paper. If your child was having severe homesickness, you would have heard from the camp for sure. Remember that a day at camp is a long. Just like at home, the camp day has ups and downs. Sometimes, an issue your child has written about has long passed by the time the snail mail gets home to you. If there is something in the letter that concerns you, reach out to the camp for a true picture of how your child is doing at camp.
When campers return home, what are a few thoughts on easing re-entry?
Coming home from camp can be a big adjustment for children. Even though they can’t wait for their own bed and a long, hot shower, it is hard to leave their camp bubble filled with their friends and favorite camp counselors. Here are a few things you can do to help your child adjust to home life after camp.
- Don’t overschedule them. They need time to unwind and relax. Camp can be tiring, and it’s good to have some downtime before whatever you have planned for the rest of the summer.
- Don’t grill them. Of course, you want to hear all about camp but let them tell you things on their own time. Ask a few questions but let them guide the conversation.
- Camp plans. You don’t need to make them right away but be sure to let your child know that you’re happy for them to get together with camp friends in the fall. Having a camp plan soon will help ease the sadness your child may be feeling about missing their camp friends
- Technology reset. Your child has survived at camp without technology, so now is a good time for a technology reset if you feel it is needed at your home. After camp is a wonderful opportunity to put some new rules in place.