Becoming A Better Professional

If you are considering summer camps for the first time for your son or daughter, then you may be unsure about the entire experience, especially if your child is somewhat anxious. However, children who are shy or anxious can enjoy summer camp as well. Keep reading to learn about some tips to help your shy child get ready for their camp experience.

Assist With The Transition

Shy and anxious children will often have difficulties with transitions. In other words, they are unsure about new experiences and focus on the "what ifs." To ensure that your son or daughter enjoys their time at camp, assist with the transitional period and make sure your child feels comfortable with the types of circumstances that may arise. Start by speaking with your child about their fears. For example, if your child is worried about making friends, then rehearse some situations on how to introduce yourself. When it comes to social situations, work through some scenarios on how to deal with children who are negative or who do not want to be friendly. For example, encourage your child to use positive thinking and positive words to disarm a possibly negative and hurtful situation.

Helping with the transition may include working with your child on more practical issues as well. For example, if your child is worried about what to do when food is spilled on their shirt, then make sure there is a strategy to change clothing. 

In general, you want your child to have a plan for situations they are fearful of, so make sure to listen, empathize, and reassure them when they express their fears.

Consider Your Child's Strengths

If your child wants to go to summer camp, then there are a variety of camps that explore outdoor activities and encourage participation in many different adventures. For an anxious child, this may be overwhelming. Instead of looking at an all-inclusive sort of camp, think about your child's strengths and choose a camp that plays to those strengths. This can help to ensure that your child feels confident about the camp and reduce worries about fitting in or being good enough at the specific skills at the camp.

For example, if your child enjoys the Boy Scout's, then think about an outdoor adventure camp. If your child is studious, then a science camp might be best. Montessori camps for children who attend Montessori schools, soccer camps, swimming camps, and art camps are all options as well.

If you want to know more about how to help your anxious or shy child fit into a camp situation, speak with some of the various summer programs for kids in your area.