Summer Camp Survival Guide: Because Your Wallet and Your Sanity Are Both on the Line

Let's be real: summer camp is expensive, your kid has approximately 47 different opinions about it daily, and you're probably reading this while sitting in a carpool line somewhere. Welcome to the summer camp parenting Olympics. Here's your no-nonsense guide to navigating camp season—because when you're spending hundreds of dollars (and for some even more) on camp weekly, we're all making this work.

When Your Kid Announces "I Don't Want to Go" (Usually at 7:45 AM)

The Reality Check: Every kid will have at least one "I hate camp" moment. It's practically a rite of passage, like losing teeth or developing strong opinions about pizza toppings.

Your Action Plan:

1. Pause before you panic. That dramatic declaration might be about yesterday's dodgeball game, not a fundamental camp crisis.
2. Ask specific questions: "What part don't you want to do?" trumps "Why?" every time. Kids this age can tell you they don't like arts and crafts but struggle to articulate social anxiety.
3. Validate, then redirect: "It sounds like you're worried about something. Let's figure out how to make tomorrow better."
4. Use the 24-hour rule: If they're still resistant after a good night's sleep, dig deeper. If they've moved on to complaining about breakfast, you probably dodged a bullet.

Here’s a piece of advice from Poppins Parent Coaching Advisor, Dr. Chloe Massey: “Remember that kids do best when they know what to expect. A little prep can go a long way. Before camp begins, try talking through the schedule or visiting the camp ahead of time. This can help your child feel safe and confident.”

The Hard Truth: Sometimes you'll need to lovingly, firmly say, "Camp is what we're doing this summer, so let's make it work." You're not running a democracy here—you're running a family. 

New Friends and Fitting In: The Social Maze

Social dynamics at this age are part genuine connection, part random chaos. They will share their snacks with strangers, but melt down completely if someone in passing says they don't like their bathing suit.

Your Game Plan:

• Prep them for social success: Practice key phrases in the car or at dinner. "Can I play too?" is a magic phrase worth repeating until it feels natural.
• Pack conversation starters: A cool water bottle, fun socks, or trading cards can be social ice-breakers.
• Address the "nobody likes me" spiral: When they come home convinced they're friendless, ask for specifics. Often, "nobody" means "that one kid who was busy with someone else."
• Celebrate small wins: "I sat with Emma at lunch" deserves the same enthusiasm as "I made 12 best friends."

Pro tip: Friendships at this age are beautifully fluid. Today's "enemy" is tomorrow's buddy, especially when they discover a shared love of Pokemon or the popsicles given at snack time.

When You Picked the Wrong Camp (It Happens to the Best of Us)

Maybe the "nature camp" is too outdoorsy for your indoor kid, or the "creative arts" camp isn't working out for your kid who is shy and doesn't like getting up in front of crowds. Sometimes good intentions still lead to bad fits. As your child gets older, you can have conversations with them about their interests and what type of camps might appeal to them. But, with younger children, we learn through trial and error.

Damage Control Strategy:

1. Give it a fair shot: Kids need time to adjust, and day three meltdowns don't necessarily predict week two happiness. Sometimes they just need to find their rhythm.
2. Have an honest conversation with the camp director: They've seen it all and often have solutions you haven't considered.
3. Look for small fixes first: Maybe switching groups or adjusting pickup times solves the problem.
4. Know when to advocate: If your child is genuinely miserable, and you've tried working with the camp and you’re having no luck, sometimes the bravest parenting move is changing course.

Juggling Multiple Camps: It's Actually More Forgiving Than You Think

If you have multiple kids or one kid doing different camps throughout the summer, you're basically running a small transportation company. But here's the beautiful thing about camp: unlike school, they're not keeping track of tardies, and your kid isn't missing crucial lesson plans. So take a deep breath and go at your own pace.

Keep It Simple:

• Use whatever calendar system actually works for you: Whether it's your phone, a wall calendar, or sticky notes on the dashboard—organization only helps if you'll actually use it.
• Morning prep is your friend: Lay out clothes and pack bags the night before, but don't stress if you forget snacks or water bottles. Most camps have backup plans.
• Connect with other parents: Carpooling can be a lifesaver, but it's not mandatory. Do what works for your family.

Reality check: Keep extra sunscreen in your car and lower your standards. Camp is supposed to be the relaxed part of summer.

Sleep-Away Camp: Managing the Homesickness (Yours and Theirs)

Sending your elementary school kid to sleep-away camp can feel like launching them into space. Here's how to handle the separation anxiety on both sides:

Before They Leave:

• Practice being away: Start with sleepovers at friends' or family members' houses.
• Pack comfort items: A favorite stuffed animal or photo can provide security without being babyish.
• Discuss communication plans: When will you talk or write? What should they do if they feel homesick?

While They're Away:

• Write letters, not novels: Short, encouraging notes work better than emotional essays about how much you miss them.
• Send practical care packages: Fun snacks, stickers, or camp-appropriate games beat sentimental items.
• Trust the process: Counselors are trained to handle homesickness. Let them do their job.

Managing your own emotions: It's okay to miss your child. It's not okay to project that anxiety onto them. Save the tears for your co-parent or partner.

Making Your Camp Investment Pay Off

You're spending serious money on camp, so let's make sure everyone gets value from the experience:

Set realistic expectations: Camp isn't going to transform your child into a different person, but it can build confidence, teach new skills, and create positive memories.

Debrief regularly: Ask open-ended questions like "What was the best part of your day?" instead of "Did you have fun?"

Focus on growth: Notice improvements in independence, social skills, or willingness to try new things.

Plan for next year: Use this summer's lessons to make better choices for next year's camp season.

The Bottom Line

Summer camp isn't perfect, your child won't love every minute, and that's normal. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a summer that works for your family while giving your child opportunities to play, and moreover to grow.

Remember: You're not just surviving summer camp season—you're teaching your child to navigate new experiences, build resilience, and find joy in unexpected places. And if all else fails, there's always next summer to try again.

Now go forth and conquer those carpool lines. You've got this.