Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids and parents. Some kids thrive in summer camp where others hate it. Parents send their kids to camp for a variety of reasons and not all of them are about the child wanting to go to camp.
The first thing parents need to figure out and be honest with themselves about is whether or not their child actually wants to go to summer camp. The parent might have gone as a child and loved it and wants their child to have the same experience. However, your child is not you and forcing a child to go to summer camp is not going to always lead to the happy experience you remember when you went.
First off, know that summer camp is not a cure-all for kids. If a child is shy naturally summer camp will probably not turn them into a social butterfly. Some kids are just shy and will always be shy. Summer camp will not turn an immature child into a mature one. Summer camp will not take a child who prefers to be alone and suddenly make them one that wants to be surrounded by friends. Some parents believe that sending a child to camp will "fix" what they see as social inadequacies. In most cases it won't because social skills can't be forced upon a child. They will develop in the time frame that works for them.
If you child absolutely doesn't want to go to summer camp that is the biggest sign they are not ready and you shouldn't force them to go. Forcing them could more likely create a strong dislike for summer camp and when the time is right for them, they will just flat out refuse based on the initial bad experience.
Ok so your child has a desire to go to summer camp. They can be nervous an scared but as long as the desire is there that is the first step. Just know wanting to go to camp is just the first sign there are other things to consider before deciding it is the right time for summer camp.
This is a basic list. All children are different and grow and mature at different rates. The general consensus is if your child is 8 years or older then they are ready for camp. That is not necessairly true. Eight years old is a good starting point but take these other things into consideration as well.
Has your child ever slept away from home successfully with someone other than a family member, like a friends house? If the answer is yes then that is a good sign. If they haven't you might want to try that first before sending them to an overnight camp.
Do they get along with kids in the neighborhood or at school? If your child doesn't get along with other kids well then camp kids will be no different. Your child needs to be able to share and cooperate and be able to work in groups and get along.
Does your child take instruction well from adults other than family members, like teachers? Kids have to follow instructions at camp, it is vital, and if they haven't reached a maturity to follow instructions from adults other than family members they will have difficult time.
Does your child know how to do routine task? Brushing their teeth, getting dressed, making a bed, or tying their shoes. Your child needs to know these basic things and be able to do them on their own.
Does your child still wet the bed? Bed wetting can be a very humiliating thing and kids can be very cruel. If your child is still wetting the bed, sending them to camp can be torture for them.
Does your child have behavioral issues? If your child has moderate to serious behavioral issues camp is not the best place for them unless it is a specialized camp that recognizes and deals with children with behavioral issues.
Who is more excited about summer camp, you or your child? It should be your child.
Now you have the basics. If you can answer those questions in the affirmative then your child is probably ready to go to camp. If you come up with a lot of no answers then this might not be the year to send them away to summer camp.
If your child is ready for summer camp here is good place to start to find a good summer camp. The traditional summer camp has been replaced by specialized and focused camps. You can find a camp for just about anything these days. Here is a good place to start your search http://www.acacamps.org. This organization has been around for 100 years helping parents find licensed, safe and fun summer camps across the country.
Good luck!
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