Preparing for Summer Camp – Getting Ready for Summer Camp this Winter
By Whitney Strang, Director of Development
During the cold winter months, warm summer days feel far away. With three excited Ondessonk campers this year, we are using the early months of the year to ensure everyone is ready for Summer Camp when the time comes. I’ve found myself leaning heavily on the Parent Resources page on Camp Ondessonk’s website, which has been an invaluable guide as our family gets ready.
One of the first things on our checklist to tackle this winter was swimming. Knowing my three campers are very excited to swim in the lake, I want all of them to feel confident and ready to complete the swim assessment early, with a lifeguard, or when they arrive. We signed them up for winter swimming lessons so they can build skills and stamina now, setting them up to fully enjoy swimming and the Shawnee Screamer once summer rolls around.
We’re also working on a “Camp nighttime routine” at home. Since electronic devices aren’t allowed, we’re practicing falling asleep without TVs or music. We’ll use small fan or a noise machine to help recreate the natural sounds they’ll hear at night, and we’ve been encouraging them to get comfortable sleeping in complete darkness. Each child is keeping a flashlight by their bed to practice finding and using it at night, something I know will come in handy at Camp.
To help with homesickness, we’re easing into time away from home. A sleepover or two with a trusted friend has been a great way to build confidence and independence, especially for my first-time campers. It’s reassuring to see how capable they are when given the chance.
We’re also planning a weekend trip to Camp Ondessonk so my oldest can spend the night in a treehouse unit. Having that familiarity before the summer begins feels like a big step in helping him feel prepared for this next chapter of his Camp journey.
Finally, I’ve made sure to sign up for the first Learning More About Camp Webinar on February 11 to help answer any questions my campers have.
Ensuring campers are prepared for Camp isn’t just about packing; it’s about building skills, confidence, and excitement. Between the Parent Resources page, webinars, and a little preparation at home, I feel confident my kids will be ready for Camp. I know that as we drive down the Camp Road this summer, they’ll be ready for the adventure, friendships, and growth that await them.
