It is our experience that if a child is really not ready to go to camp, and a parent says, “If you don’t like it, I’ll come pick you up,” there is little need to unpack his/her luggage. 

Here are some tips to help prepare you and your child for camp.  These ideas, as well as assistance from our directors, can help you ready your child for overnight camp.  When both the camp and the parents work together, the result is a wonderfully positive, life enhancing experience and a very happy camper.

The number one thing we can recommend for parents in choosing a camp
Be sure that you have spoken with and feel comfortable with the camp director.  Everything starts at the top, you need to feel that the camp director is well versed in child development and can relay that knowledge to the staff.  Camp directors should not be tired about camp, but invigorated in the start of the new year.  They should really enjoy what they do as their attitude sets the tone for the entire camp program.

Campers should want to go to camp
It is important that your child think camp is a good idea whether he/she initiates the topic of camp, or just thinks it is a good idea when broached. Forcing them to go to camp usually backfires and regardless they will not have as good of an experience as they could. 

Is camp good for everyone
Yes, we believe that camp can be good for everyone, provided each child and parents is prepared for the journey.

Parents need to know camp is a good idea for their child
When camp is the right decision for your child, it is still sometimes difficult, but better in the long run, to be strong, positive and supportive.  It is our belief that a child, who has a difficult time but completes the session, enjoys a feeling of accomplishment.   Leaving mid-session evokes feelings of failure that may never be recovered.

Shop Early
You find a link to our clothing catalog on our website along with a “Recommended Clothing List.” This list is a GUIDELINE, not a requirement. Gather clothing and personal items early, keep them in a central location, let your camper be apart of this process and make decisions on things that will provide further comfort. (Maintain mental and emotional support throughout this process.)  

Ask questions
If anything is unclear and wash everything, especially new camp items, three times. Be sure that your child can identify his/her own clothing and put his/her name on EVERYTHING! (You know how the kids leave clothes and shoes lying around the house? Well, imagine that multiplied.)  Most importantly, do not send anything that will be missed, if it does not make it back home. 

Call
If you are concerned about your child upon arrival, about letters received or just in general, call us. Be sure to leave a detailed message regarding your concern. Our staff will return your call as soon as they have been able to check in with your child, the counselor and/or “Camp Mother.” Our Headstaff are in the field with the children, so please plan on leaving a message.  Calls are returned before the end of the day.

Camp Mother
If there is a particular concern, physical, mental, emotional, even medical, please contact our “Camp Mother” early in the session to review the concern. She will advise the necessary staff and handle any concern, in your child’s best interest, with privacy and dignity.

The Camp Mom job description specifically allows the opportunity and time to listen and assist the individual camper without the demand and sacrifice to that child’s bunkmates, as is the case with the counselor position. She is able (and enjoys) giving what we call the “Oooo baby” (which we all need every once n a while). This is that special little something that the new camper really needs in the beginning to get them off to a good start. Whether it is one on one time, an ear to listen, more stamps or a politically correct hug, this special attention really works in securing a sense of safety for the individual, similar to that which one would receive at home.

Camper Evaluations
Each night counselors fill out a bunk evaluation sheet advising the head staff of the happenings for that group on that day. This form is then read each morning by the Director, Associate Directors (A.D.), the Camp Mother, etc… In addition, each week an in-depth camper evaluation report is completed.   At Camp Pocono Ridge it is important that the entire staff is up to the minute regarding the care and needs of your individual child in order to ensure a positive camp experience.

Camp Pocono Ridge, “a magnificent child’s wonderland atop the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, where no camper is a stranger” since 1958.