Camp tips for first timers

[Anonymous]

I have a rising first grader so this will be our first summer doing day camps. We're doing a few weeks of playground camp, a couple weeks of soccer camp, and a couple weeks of SACC camp. I'm a little concerned about the large amount of time outside.

Anybody have any good tips/advice for first time day campers?

[Anonymous]

If your child is very fair make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and check the camp's policy. Mine is and we have to be careful about that. Also this summer in particular make sure to apply insect repellent. Other than that the prep is pretty much the same for parents, preparing lunch and a snack. You also have to label the meals with the child's name and date if you are in Virginia.

Rising first can still be a bit hard with transitions, but even if your child is reluctant at first it ends up being a great experience. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

My DD wore the mosquito bracelet and said it helped a lot.

Have your kid practice putting sunscreen on - don't forget part in hair, and tops of shoulders and backs of hands.

If your kid will be taking a bus home, make sure she knows how to find the right bus. This was difficult for me well into high school, and I never figured out how other kids knew the right bus to get on in a sea of yellow buses.

[Anonymous]

What about labels? Do you just to the lunch/snack bag or do I need to invest in clothing labels too?

[Anonymous]

I have never used clothing labels for day camp. I wouldn't send them in anything you would mind then losing or being ruined. My DS always comes back from camp with something on him.