Visiting Day is one of the most anticipated moments of the summer for both campers and their families. For many sleepaway camps, it’s the perfect opportunity to reunite with your child mid-season, see their camp experience firsthand, and celebrate the growth and fun they’ve been having. Whether it’s a day-long visit or an entire weekend, Visiting Day is a cherished tradition that gives families a glimpse into the magic of camp life. Here’s everything you need to know about Visiting Camp and making the most of this special time.

What Is Visiting Day?

Most sleepaway camps dedicate a day or weekend in the middle of the summer for families to visit their campers. Visiting Day offers parents a chance to:

• Spend quality time with their child.
• Explore the camp’s facilities and grounds.
• Meet counselors, directors, and fellow campers.
• Experience a slice of camp life through activities or showcases.

It’s also a time for campers to show off their newfound skills, friendships, and independence. Camps take great care to organize Visiting Day as a fun and meaningful experience for everyone.

How to Prepare for Visiting Day

To make the most of your visit, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

• Confirm the Schedule: Check the camp’s Visiting Day schedule for specific times, locations, and any planned activities.
• Plan Your Arrival: Arrive on time to maximize your visit. Camps often provide parking instructions and recommendations for navigating the grounds.
• Pack Thoughtfully: Many families bring small gifts or treats for their campers. Be sure to check camp policies, as some camps have rules about outside food or items.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you may be walking or participating in activities.

With the right planning, you can focus on enjoying your time with your camper without worrying about logistics.

What Happens During Visiting Day?

Visiting Day activities vary from camp to camp, but they often include:

• Tours of the Camp: Your child will proudly show you their cabin, favorite activity areas, and the dining hall.
• Activities and Showcases: Camps often organize performances, sports games, or activity demonstrations where campers can share their achievements.
• Free Time: Many camps allow families to enjoy relaxed, unstructured time together, whether it’s having a picnic, walking the grounds, or simply catching up.
• Opportunities to Meet Staff: Visiting Day is a great chance to meet your child’s counselors and hear about their progress and participation.

Some camps even organize photo opportunities or group activities for families, making the day even more memorable.

Tips for a Successful Visit

Visiting Day is all about reconnecting and celebrating your camper’s experience. Keep these tips in mind to make it extra special:

• Focus on the Positive: Celebrate your child’s accomplishments and ask about their favorite activities, new friends, and fun moments.
• Encourage Independence: While it’s tempting to “fix” small issues (like messy bunk areas), trust that the camp staff is helping your child grow through these challenges.
• Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet: When it’s time to leave, reassure your camper that you’ll see them soon and focus on the fun they’ll continue to have.

By showing enthusiasm and encouragement, you help reinforce your child’s confidence in their camp experience.

A Mid-Summer Celebration

Visiting Day is a highlight of the summer for campers and their families alike. It’s a time to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate all the growth and joy that camp brings. As you leave at the end of the day, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes camp such a magical place—and your child will be even more excited to continue their summer adventure.

One of the unique aspects of summer camp is that it fosters independence, allowing campers to grow and thrive in a supportive environment away from home. While this can be a wonderful experience for children, parents often wonder how they can stay connected during the summer. Most camps encourage limited communication to help campers focus on their activities and friendships, but there are structured ways to keep in touch. Whether through emails, handwritten letters, or the occasional phone call, communicating with your camper during camp is an important part of the experience.

Writing Letters: A Timeless Tradition

Letters remain the most common and cherished way for parents and campers to stay in touch. Many camps encourage parents to write frequently, as receiving mail from home is a highlight for campers.

Why Letters Work So Well:

• Encourage Independence: Writing letters allows campers to reflect and share their experiences without immediate distractions.
• Tangible Keepsakes: Campers can keep and reread letters, providing comfort and connection throughout their stay.
• Ease of Access: Most camps have a designated mail system to ensure letters are delivered regularly.

Tips for Writing Letters:

• Keep It Positive: Focus on uplifting topics like how proud you are of them and ask about their favorite activities.
• Avoid Guilt-Inducing Language: Refrain from saying how much you miss them in a way that might make them homesick.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage responses with prompts like, “What’s been your favorite activity so far?” or “Tell me about your new friends.”

Many camps also allow campers to send letters back home, giving parents a glimpse into their child’s experience.

Emailing Your Camper

Some camps offer email systems as a modern way to send messages. These are often one-way systems where parents can email their camper, but campers respond through handwritten letters or typed messages facilitated by the camp staff.

Benefits of Email Communication:

• Convenience: Emails are fast and ensure timely delivery.
• Structured Systems: Camps often limit email exchanges to avoid overwhelming campers with frequent updates.

If your camp offers email services, they may also include features like photo sharing or updates from counselors, keeping you informed about your camper’s day-to-day life.

Phone Calls: Limited but Meaningful

Most sleepaway camps limit phone calls between parents and campers, often scheduling just one or two per summer. This policy reinforces the camp’s goal of fostering independence while minimizing distractions from the camp experience.

What to Expect During Camp Phone Calls:

• Scheduled Times: Calls are usually brief and pre-scheduled to fit into the camp’s busy schedule.
• Emotional Moments: It’s not uncommon for campers to express homesickness during a call. Reassure them and shift the focus to the fun they’re having.
• A Special Opportunity: These calls allow you to hear your camper’s voice and share their excitement about camp life.

While phone calls are limited, they’re an excellent way to check in and offer encouragement.

Balancing Connection and Independence

The communication policies at summer camp are designed with the camper’s growth and development in mind. Limited communication helps campers immerse themselves in the camp experience, build resilience, and rely on counselors and peers for support.

As a parent, it’s natural to want updates, but trusting the camp’s process will ultimately help your child thrive. Camps often provide regular updates through newsletters, photos, or counselor notes, keeping you informed while letting your camper fully engage with their summer.

A Summer to Remember

Communicating with your camper during the summer is about finding the right balance between staying connected and encouraging independence. Whether through heartfelt letters, timely emails, or occasional phone calls, each interaction will remind your camper of your support while allowing them the freedom to embrace their camp adventure. By following the camp’s communication guidelines, you’ll help your child build confidence, form friendships, and create memories they’ll cherish for years to come.

Preparing for summer camp is an exciting part of the experience, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to pack. Packing the right gear ensures your child is ready to dive into activities, stay comfortable, and enjoy everything camp has to offer. Most camps provide a detailed packing list, but knowing where to start and how to plan can make all the difference. Here’s your guide to packing and getting the right gear for summer camp.

Start with the Camp’s Packing List

The first step in preparing for camp is to check the official packing list provided by the camp. Camps often tailor their lists to the specific activities, climate, and amenities they offer. Some camps may require specialized items for activities like hiking or water sports, while others keep things simple.

Key Items to Look for on a Packing List:

• Clothing: A mix of everyday wear, outdoor gear, and weather-appropriate items like raincoats or warm layers.
• Bedding: Sleeping bags, pillows, and sheets if required.
• Toiletries: Essentials like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and sunscreen.
• Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, sandals, and water shoes for different activities.
• Activity Gear: Items like swimsuits, backpacks, flashlights, or sport-specific equipment.

If the list isn’t available, reach out to the camp directly. They’re happy to help and may even have additional tips for first-time families.

Tips for Packing Like a Pro

Packing for camp isn’t just about checking items off a list; it’s about preparing your child to be organized and ready for the adventure ahead.

• Label Everything: Camps are busy places, and personal items can easily get mixed up. Use waterproof labels or permanent markers to ensure items return to your camper.
• Pack Strategically: Group items in categories—like clothing, toiletries, and gear—using packing cubes or resealable bags for easy access.
• Don’t Overpack: Stick to the essentials outlined by the camp. Overpacking can make it harder for your child to keep track of their belongings.
• Include a Comfort Item: A small stuffed animal, family photo, or favorite book can help your child feel at home.

Finding the Right Gear for Your Camper

If the packing list includes items you don’t already own, finding the right gear doesn’t have to break the bank. Many stores and online retailers offer camp-ready essentials at reasonable prices.

• Outdoor Stores: Retailers like REI or Decathlon are great for durable gear like sleeping bags, hiking boots, or rain jackets.
• Discount Stores: Big-box retailers often carry affordable camp basics like water bottles, socks, and toiletries.
• Second-Hand Options: Check out thrift stores or borrow items from friends whose kids have been to camp before.

When buying gear, prioritize comfort and durability—your child will be active and on the go all summer!

Packing for Success

Packing for summer camp is about more than just the items in the bag—it’s about preparing your child for independence and adventure. By starting with the camp’s packing list, organizing efficiently, and ensuring your camper has the right gear, you’re setting them up for a successful experience.

When in doubt, remember that camps are there to help. Reach out with any questions about what to pack or how to prepare. With the right planning, your child will be ready for an incredible summer filled with fun, growth, and memories that last a lifetime.

Getting your child to summer camp is an exciting part of the adventure! Whether your camp is just a short drive away or requires long-distance travel, camps are experienced in accommodating a variety of transportation options. From flying to camp to hopping on a camp-organized bus or driving directly, there are solutions for every family’s needs. This guide will help you navigate the process of traveling to camp so your camper starts their summer journey with ease.

Common Travel Options for Summer Camps

Summer camps work hard to make arrival day as smooth as possible for families, no matter how far away they’re coming from. Here are the most common travel options:

1. Driving to Camp

For families who live nearby, driving to camp is often the simplest option. Many camps organize staggered arrival times to minimize traffic and ensure an efficient check-in process.

• Benefits: You get to see the campgrounds, meet staff in person, and help your child settle in.
• Tips: Pack your car the night before, double-check directions, and have snacks and entertainment ready for the ride.

2. Camp Buses

Many camps offer bus services to transport campers from centralized pickup locations, often in major cities or regional hubs. This is a great option for families who live within a few hours of camp.

• Benefits: Buses are supervised by camp staff, making it a safe and convenient option. Plus, campers often start making friends during the ride!
• Tips: Arrive early at the pickup location and ensure your camper’s luggage is clearly labeled for easy identification.

3. Flying to Camp

For campers traveling long distances, flying is often the best option. Most camps will coordinate airport pickups to ensure a smooth transition from the plane to camp.

• Benefits: Camps typically have staff members waiting at the airport to greet campers, help with luggage, and arrange transportation to camp.
• Tips: Pack a small carry-on bag with essentials like snacks, a book, and a travel itinerary to keep your camper comfortable during the flight.

How Camps Support Travel Logistics

Reputable camps are well-versed in managing travel logistics, so families can feel confident no matter how their child gets to camp. Here’s how camps accommodate each travel option:

• Driving: Camps often provide detailed instructions for drop-off day, including parking information and check-in procedures. Staff are on hand to greet families and help campers settle in.
• Buses: Camp staff supervise campers during the entire bus ride. Luggage is carefully organized, and parents are notified when buses arrive safely.
• Airport Pickups: Camps coordinate airport transportation for campers flying in, including group pickups for campers arriving on the same flights. Staff accompany campers during airport transitions to ensure safety and comfort.

Additionally, many camps provide pre-arrival checklists and detailed travel instructions to make the process seamless.

Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

Traveling to camp can feel hectic, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

• Communicate with the Camp: Let the camp know your travel plans in advance, especially if your child is flying or using camp transportation.
• Pack Travel Essentials: For long trips, include snacks, a water bottle, and entertainment like a book or small game.
• Label Everything: Clearly mark your child’s luggage and any important items to avoid confusion during transit.
• Plan Ahead for Delays: Build in extra time to account for traffic, weather, or flight changes.

Arrival Day: The Start of an Incredible Summer

No matter how your child gets to camp, arrival day marks the beginning of an exciting summer. Camps take great care to ensure every camper feels welcome and ready to dive into the experience. Whether they step off a plane, hop off a bus, or are dropped off by family, they’ll be greeted by friendly staff and smiling faces ready to make their transition to camp life smooth and memorable.