Mental Prep for Summer Camp
Find out how mindfulness can help you guide your children on their summer camp adventures.
Summer camp is an exciting and enriching experience for children of all ages. It provides an opportunity to explore new activities, make new friends and create lasting memories.
However, for some children, the thought of going to summer camp can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Being mindful can play a significant role in helping prepare your child for summer camp.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings and surroundings. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By incorporating mindfulness techniques while preparing for summer camp, children can develop the mental resilience and emotional stability to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that may arise during their camp experience. Here are ways to incorporate mindfulness into the mental preparation for summer camp:
Involve your child in preparation and setting intentions.
Having your child actively participate in the camp selection and packing process will empower them to take responsibility for their choices and belongings. Encourage your child to set positive intentions for their summer camp experience. Ask them what they want to learn, achieve or experience during their time at camp. By setting clear intentions, children can focus their energy and attention on what they want to accomplish, which can help alleviate anxiety and increase motivation.
Visualize success.
Guide your child in visualizing themselves having a successful and enjoyable time at summer camp. Encourage them to imagine engaging in their favorite activities, making new friends and feeling confident in their abilities. Visualization can help build self-confidence and create a positive mindset, enabling children to approach camp excited and optimistic.
Practice deep breathing.
Teach your child deep breathing exercises to help them manage stress and anxiety. Taking slow, deep breaths can activate the body’s relaxation response, calming the nervous system and reducing feelings of tension. Encourage your child to practice deep breathing whenever they feel overwhelmed or nervous about camp.
Cultivate mindful awareness.
Help your child cultivate mindful awareness by encouraging them to pay attention to the present moment. Teach them to notice their thoughts, emotions and physical sensations without judgment. This practice can help children become more self-aware and better equipped to manage their emotions during challenging situations at camp.
Develop emotional resilience.
Discuss with your child that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions at summer camp. Encouraging them to embrace and express their feelings teaches them to identify and label their emotions. Help provide strategies for coping with difficult emotions. Strategies include journaling, talking to a trusted adult or calming activities like drawing or listening to music.
Practice gratitude.
Cultivate a sense of gratitude in your child by encouraging them to reflect on the positive aspects of their summer camp experience. Help them recognize and appreciate the opportunities, friendships and growth they encounter during their time at camp. Ask your child what the highs and lows of the day were. Reframe the low points and praise the high points. Gratitude can shift focus from worries or anxieties to a more positive and appreciative mindset.
Encourage mindful communication.
Teach your child the importance of mindful communication at summer camp. Encourage them to actively listen to others, speak respectfully and express themselves honestly and authentically. Role-playing active listening by paraphrasing back and forth with your child is a fun way to teach the skill. Communication fosters positive relationships, enhances empathy and creates a supportive camp environment.
Embrace uncertainty.
Remind your child that summer camp is a place to try new things and step out of their comfort zone. Encourage them to embrace uncertainty and view it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Express your confidence in their ability to navigate challenges and have a successful camp experience. By letting go of the need for control and being open to new experiences, your child can fully immerse themselves in the camp environment and make the most of their summer.
Incorporating mindfulness into the preparation for summer camp can help children develop the inner resources necessary to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that may arise. Children can approach summer camp with a sense of calm, resilience and enthusiasm by setting positive intentions, practicing deep breathing, cultivating mindful awareness and embracing gratitude and uncertainty. Mindfulness enhances the camp experience and equips children with valuable life skills they can carry with them beyond the summer months.
Anthony Cupo is a trained mindfulness facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC, and has been meditating for over 30 years.
