As the summer holidays approach, the offers for camps multiply. The organizers promise the opportunity to learn new things, have fun and develop independence. But inevitably, in the case of parents, questions arise such as: “What is the right age for camp?”. The answer is not a universally valid one, psychologists say, and depends both on emotional development and the child’s ability to tolerate separation.
Signs that a child is ready to go to camp
Psychologist Anca Boalcă emphasizes that preparation for camp does not strictly depend on the child’s age, but on a number of other factors:
“When the child shows the desire for autonomy in daily activities, it is a positive sign, when he has the ability to tolerate small frustrations, enjoys social interactions with other children and adult educators, teachers or instructors and can manage the night away from his parents. What should the parent look for? To the child’s emotional flexibility, ability to express his needs clearly and trust in external authority figures”.
In addition to all this, explains Anca Boalcă, the child’s ability to self-regulate his emotions and manage separation from his parents is also important. That’s why it’s important that the attachment relationships at home are secure, and that the little one knows that he can rely on his parents without fear.
“To be in inner balance, the child needs his parent to be stable, constant and to support him emotionally”says the psychologist.
Is there a minimum age limit?
Some camps accept children from the age of 5. In these situations, even if the little ones may seem eager for experience, specialists recommend caution.
“Under 6-7 years, most children have not sufficiently consolidated their internal object of parents to navigate a long separation without major anxiety (…) Even if enthusiasm is present, it may mask a need to please the parent or an incomplete understanding of the duration”explains Anca Boalcă.
Do trial experiences help?
An excellent step before the first camp is to test the separation in shorter contexts, such as a day trip or at most two.
“It allows the child to experience separation in a controlled and short-term setting, checking adaptability. For the parent, it provides a window into how the child uses internal and external resources in their absence. It is an essential intermediate step in strengthening mutual trust”. says the psychologist.
International research also shows that progressive experiences of independence help children to better develop autonomy and self-confidence.
Preparing for camp. Practical advice
It’s not just children who need to be prepared before going to camp. And parents have to pay attention to certain aspects.
,,Parents need to analyze their own projected separation anxieties, so as not to pass them on to the child in the form of excessive guidance or catastrophic warnings. During the discussions, scenarios from the camp can be explored through stories or role-playing, observing the child’s reactions”draws Anca Boalcă’s attention.
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In addition to all this: “It is recommended to associate the camp with a transitional object, a small object from the house, a toy or a favorite object of the child and build an anchor <
Is it easier if accompanied by a friend?
Many parents also wonder if the adaptation would be easier if the child is accompanied by a friend or colleague. Experience shows that for many children, especially at the first camp, the presence of a friend:
- provides emotional security,
- reduce separation anxiety,
- makes the transition from “home” to a new environment smoother,
- helps the child to adapt faster in the first days.
A friend or colleague can act as a support in times of homesickness or insecurity.
Going camping without a close friend can have another kind of advantage, such as developing adaptability and preventing isolation in an already formed group.
Benefits of camps
Camps are not just fun, but environments where children can gain social skills. International research shows that participating in the first camp, when the child is ready, can bring several benefits:
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- Developing independence, making decisions in a safe environment.
- Increasing social skills and making new friends
- Increasing adaptability
In addition, a study in Switzerland of 250 children showed that attending a camp can increase altruistic behaviors (ie caring for others).
What parents need to be aware of
That doesn’t mean there aren’t risks, too. In addition to the elements related to the child’s emotional preparation, parents must thoroughly check who is organizing the camp, what is the experience of working with children of the adults who will accompany them and what kind of approaches they have. So that they do not find themselves in a situation where the little ones are constantly scolded or their needs are ignored.
The philosophy of the camp and the values promoted are other very important aspects. And the structuring of the program is essential: it is good that the camps also provide time for play, rest breaks, clear meal times and alternation between demanding physical activities and rest.
Communication policy with parents is also a key factor. Even before enrolling in the camp, it is important to clearly communicate the rules regarding telephones, the interval in which the children can be contacted and who can be contacted in case of emergency.
