There are a few things that you can do to get ready for camp life.
You can find answers to your questions and some helpful hints in our program handbook!
Program Handbook
These are just optional items of course, but many you will find will be necessary for your camper. We suggest a light sleeping bag as that will eliminate the need for alternate bedding besides a sheet. We also suggest marking all your personal belongings, so they will all come home with you at the end of the week.
Campers participating in Ranch Camp or Trail Ride also need to bring at least one pair of long pants or jeans.
Open and honest conversations before camp can help make a camper’s experience even better. Ask your camper how they’re feeling about camp, what they’re excited for, etc. If a camper is nervous or anxious, that’s okay! Many people feel like that when going to camp for the first (or even fifteenth time). It’s important to know that homesickness isn’t a bad word, and it’s something that many people experience. However, campers can get through it!
Avoid telling your camper that you’ll pick them up if they don’t like or going too much into how you’ll miss them. While it seems comforting, campers tend to cling to statements like this instead of letting go and trying to have fun. Help your camper by letting them know you’ll miss them but you’re very excited for the experience they’ll have. Talk about activities together. Ask what questions your camper has or what they feel nervous about, and reach out to us to find those answers before time. We’re on your team to help your camper be successful!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to:
Call us at 352.473.4213
Email us at CImmokalee@FirstCoastYMCA.org