5 Signs Your Child is Ready for Overnight Camp 

From the moment they arrive at camp, kids are greeted with a warm welcome from camp counselors, introduced to new activities and encouraged to make new friends. There’s truly no place like summer camp, which is why kids come back year after year. However, if your child has never been to an overnight camp, you might be wondering whether now is the right time. Some kids might be ready at 6-years-old while others might not want to go until later. 

We’ve compiled 5 telltale signs that your child will thrive at overnight summer camp. 

Your Child is Comfortable at Sleepovers

One of the major indicators that your child is ready for overnight camp is if they can successfully spend a night away from home. Does your child often have sleepovers with friends or stay with relatives? If so, that’s a great sign he or she will do well at overnight camp. 

Your Child Loves Trying New Activities

Does your child go into new activities open-minded? Children who are excited about trying out new activities and sports often have a blast at camp. Although summer camps typically offer tons of familiar activities like basketball, soccer, arts and crafts, and tennis, there are many new activities they probably have never tried. Overnight summer camp provides kids a wonderful opportunity to get outside the comfort zone, develop new skills and face their fears so they can go home feeling more independent. 

Your Child Takes Care of His or Her Own Hygiene

Camp counselors are always ready to assist kids with their day-to-day routine, but it’s also important that your child knows when and how to brush their teeth. Does it feel like a struggle asking your child to hop in the shower? Make sure your child understands how important basic hygiene is before sending him or her off to overnight camp. 

Your Child is Asking to Go to Camp 

Sometimes you don’t need to contemplate at all! If your child is asking to go to overnight camp or has outgrown day camp, they’ll do perfectly fine at overnight camp. Of course, some kids do need to be asked if they’re interested in overnight camp. It’s important to pay attention to their reaction. Are they afraid of the idea or do they seem open to it? 

Your Child Can Take Directions & Handle Feedback

Children that can follow directions from babysitters, relatives and teachers tend to do very well at overnight camp. Camp counselors will be leading games and activities so it’s important for your child to follow directions. Additionally, since many kids will be learning new activities at camps and receiving tips and advice to enhance their skills, they should be able to receive feedback without getting upset. If your child has significant trouble listening to adults, overnight camp may not be a good fit. 

Why Join Us at Camp Waziyatah 

Camp Waziyatah, our mission is to provide a warm, welcoming environment where campers become stronger, more independent and build life-long friendships. Through healthy and fun outdoor experiences, kids have a blast connecting with nature and trying out new activities. 

Some activities offered at Camp Waziyatah include:

• Water skiing
• White water rafting
• The “Blob”
• Archery
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Climbing tower
• Wake surfing
• Sailing
• Stand up paddleboarding
• High Ropes Course
• Zip Line
• Fencing

We’ve also created a no-clique atmosphere so children feel completely comfortable in their cabins. Whether your child is bunking with new campers or campers who have been coming for years, they’ll make friends in no time. Counselors do what it takes to ensure bunkmates get along and become close friends. In fact, many of our campers have gone on to be friends outside of camp!