Photo Courtesy of Camp Lebanon

You dropped your kid off at camp for a week of outdoor adventures, bonding with their peers, memory making and time away from screens. Now, as you pick your camper up, they seem happy and relaxed, yet a little tired and maybe even sad to leave. How can you help your child  process and share the transformative week they just experienced?

Consider taking your kid out for ice cream or dinner after pickup, giving them a chance to share their camp experience before retreating to their room at home. If you have a long drive ahead, these questions can also turn travel time into a meaningful conversation.

Questions to ask as you follow up with your kids about camp:

What was a high and low of this week?

What did you learn about yourself at camp?

Who was someone you met and what was their story?

Was there a challenge you overcame during the week?

How did it feel to not have your phone?

What surprised you about your time at camp?

Was there a camp song you couldn’t stop singing?

Tell me a funny moment from your time at camp.

Bring the camp experience home by planning a special “camp day” with your child. Cook meals over a campfire, set up a craft station, play their favorite camp songs, go for a swim and even sleep in a tent. It’s a fun way to relive their favorite moments and share in the joy of camp together!

Explore ways you and your child can stay connected and support the camp together. You might volunteer at an upcoming event, participate in a fundraiser or even attend a family camp. Looking ahead, talk about returning next summer and encourage your kid to consider working at camp when they’re older so they can grow in their leadership skills and create lifelong friendships.

Thank you for sending your child to camp! We believe it’s transformational and will benefit them for years to come.