Tips for parents for first time holiday camp days

Putting your little one in a holiday camp can be scary.

For those with reception kids this might be a completely new experience.

It’s important because childcare in the school holidays is a must for some parents, so you prey they enjoy it

It was my (Luke) daughters turn in December.

Even though I know our team are amazing and I was leaving her in good hands…

I still had the nerves and parent-guilt that come with leaving a little one at a camp (I left deliberately so she knew I wasn’t going to be there).

After-all, she’s only 4 but I knew exposing her to these things now will make it easier in the future.

Here are our tips for those thinking about coming to a camp:

Dress for the Weather

Seems obvious but we’ve seen it too many times when children are sent with the wrong clothes.

It can be a long day if it’s raining and all they have on are shorts & t-shirts!

A water proof coat, hat &gloves are worth having plus tracksuit bottoms for colder days.

A change of clothes is also a good idea so they have dry stuff to change into if needs be.

It’s better to be warm and have layers to take off instead of being freezing with nothing else to put on.

Bring a Buddy

If they have a friend they can bring this can be a great way of them feeling less nervous.

At any age we always feel more comfortable when we do a new activity with a friend.

Equally, it’s good for them to have to meet new friends but that can will come further down the line.

Half-Days

Half-day options are a good way of introducing them to camps.

It gives them chance to feel their way into it.

Often they’ll want to stay but let them leave on a high and wanting more!

This is something I did in December.

She loved it and didn’t want to leave but I played it safe and now she is really excited to be doing our Feb camp.

Use Your Snacks

Little ones love a packed lunch.

You can tell them they have some special treats to look forward to at lunch time.

My little girl was as excited about having the ‘best-ever packed lunch in the world ever’ than she was about playing football

You’d be surprised how often this works!

What we should say is that 99% of children are absolutely fine and a lot of the worry can come from us parents!

You’re not alone as you’ve seen above.

But the younger you can start them the better it is. It quickly becomes normality for them…

…because there’s nothing better than playing football outside all day