Suggestions for a Successful Start to Camp 6 We know that the start of a camp experience can be both exciting and anxiety provoking. We want to partner with parents to help make this start to camp as smooth and easy as possible. The best guidance we can offer is that your camper needs to borrow your confidence that you have chosen a wonderful camp. Remind them that we are there to help them in any way, and that you know that they will be successful at camp. We also recommend that you reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have and read the book we sent you called, “Homesick and Happy.” It is not only normal, but expected, that all new campers have moments of worry, concern, or anxiety before going to camp for the first time. These feelings DO NOT mean they are not ready for camp and DO NOT mean they should not go to camp. It DOES mean that they are looking for additional information about what they can expect when they go off to camp. They are looking for a positive connection and association with camp, and they are looking to feel your confidence in camp and in them to be successful at camp. If your camper is expressing anxiety about camp, remember three things you can do: (1) validate their feelings. (2) help give them concrete and specific information about what to expect. (3) reach out to us for support for you and your camper. Additionally, try to attend all of the New Camper and New Parent events as they will go a long way in helping to ease anxiety and create positive connections with camp.