Not Ready for Camp? Four Ways to Encourage Your Child

Let's face it, being a parent isn't easy these days. When your child is resistant to your plans for summer camp, you may find yourself in a difficult and delicate situation. While you may be excited for them to make new friends, have fun, and grow in their faith, they may be dealing with their own fears, nervousness, and peer pressures. No parent wants to force their child to go. If your child isn't ready for camp, here are some suggestions to help them warm up to the idea:
  1. Plan to go with a friend. Planning for camp with a friend or cousin can ease nervousness and provide that connection to home that your child needs. Discuss camp with the parents of your child's best friends.  Arrange a time to present the idea with all parents and children together. Going with a friend who has already been to camp could be a bonus!
  2. View camp photos and videos. Watch the Camp Luther summer camp video together and look at photos of activities, villages, retreat center, counselors, and campers. Point out the smiles, the fun, and the caring counselors. Help your child imagine themselves at camp.
  3. Involve your child the decision making. Involving your child in selecting the date, housing, travel plans, and filling out forms can give him or her a sense of ownership. Their participation in the decision making may allow your child a chance to prepare emotionally and psychologically for camp.  Making decisions about camp with your child rather than for your child may be the best 
  4. Pray. You may have many reasons for sending your child to Camp Luther. Hopefully one of those is spiritual growth. Get things off on the right track by praying for your child and their upcoming experience at camp. Ask the Lord for the right words and to open your child's heart as you talk about Camp Luther together.
Getting your child to camp is worth all your efforts. May God bless you as your encourage your child and prepare him or her for camp this summer.  

Send Your Kids to Camp and Watch Them Grow!
Gary "Woody" Vought

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