Countdown to Colorado Mountain Camp

Summer camp planning already, you say?

It’s winter, and you’re desperately trying to remember where you stored your child’s boots and snow pants from last year.  We’re guessing that thinking about summer camp isn’t a blip on your radar yet.  But, did you know that you get the best deals and choices when you start now?  We know it can seem like a daunting task, but there really is no mystery in planning for overnight residential camp.  And, we’re here to help!

If you’ve already gone through the summer camp process, you know getting a jumpstart is the way to go.  So, for this post, we’re focusing on potential first time overnight Colorado Mountain Camp (CMC) campers.

What to Look For in a Camp

As a parent, you want to find an overnight camp that will give your child the best possible experience – in activities, surroundings and just overall experience.  You also want a camp that’s safe, and that includes finding a camp that:

• Is nationally accredited
• Is licensed by the state
• Values counselor training and certification
• Has a crisis management plan
• Can avhandle a child’s special needs, like medication or diet

Take a look at our post, A crash course in camp-for parents, to learn about 10 questions you need to ask before enrolling your kiddo in any camp.

Is Your Child Ready For Sleep-away Camp?

Of course, you want to think about your child and whether they’re ready for overnight camp, and, if so, how to get them (and you) prepared.   A few tips:

• Talk to your kids. Find out if your kids are nervous, excited, worried or curious.  Chances are, they’re all of those things.  Explain it’s natural to have all of those emotions – especially when you’re trying something new – and that you know he’s ready and can handle it. Consider checking books out at the library on summer camp, and check in with your child in the months leading up to camp.
• Explain what to expect. The known is always less scary than the unknown, so explain to your kids what to expect from everything from sleeping arrangements to bathroom facilities.  CMC has an awesome pre-camp guide that details packing lists, communication, parents’ day and more.  Also, check out CMC’s Guide to Programs to learn about activities, adventures, and expeditions!
• Reduce homesickness.  Your child is going to miss home, but remind him that so will every other child . . . and probably a few staff members, too.  Remember that overnight camp can be intimidating for first-time campers.  If you can visit camp beforehand, do it, and be sure to have a letter waiting for your child when she arrives.  Even if you get a letter of despair, remember that kids need time to adjust, and chances are that by the time you read the “Get me out of here” letter, the crisis has passed. Plus, our counselors are always available and equipped to sit down with your child at camp should homesickness take hold – and you’re only ever a phone call away.

For more fantastic suggestions on how to get ready for camp, check out 5 things to do to get ready for camp and How to get active as a family and prepare for camp.

Countdown by Month – *Download your copy from our Pinterest page

December 1 – January 8

• Talk to your child about all the different activities offered at overnight camp – what are they most excited about? What is your child nervous about? Start talking early about overnight camp with your child.

January 9 – February 29

• Still trying to figure out overnight camp? Have questions about CMC? Learn more about CMC by hosting or attending a house party!
• Watch a webinar to learn about CMC, staff, curriculum and anything else you can think of.
• Review sessions with your family to see which dates fit into your summer vacation plans.

March

• Talk with your kiddo about preparing for camp – again, ask what they’re nervous about, excited about and looking forward to. Are they nervous about rock climbing? Maybe try an indoor rock climbing class before camp to lessen their fears.
• Make sure all of your camp paperwork is complete.
• Get your child’s camp physical done.

April

• Review the packing list in the CMC Pre-Camp Guide and start assessing what your camper needs. Are you missing any camping gear? You can rent gear from us or borrow from a friend to minimize costs of packing for camp!

May 

• Be sure all final camp paperwork is submitted!
• Make sure your camper feels confident and informed about this awesome adventure of overnight camp. Maybe have a weekly check-in to chat about camp, ask questions and support your camper’s concerns – emotional preparation is just as important as packing for camp!
• About 4 weeks before your camper’s session starts, you’ll receive an email with final details about camp. Always feel free to contact our Customer Service team with any last minute questions or concerns – we’re always here to help you prep for camp! 800-977-9873 or [email protected] 

Read more about CMC and Avid4 Adventure and how our camps launch kids into a lifetime of empowering outdoor adventure at:

• Discover 3 reasons overnight camp must be your child’s summer adventure

• Avid4 Adventure:  It’s not just another summer camp

So, we say a resounding “Yes,” to the question of “Summer camp… already?”  Not only do you get the best discounts and sessions of your choice, starting the process early gives you plenty of time to prepare for everything CMC has to offer!

Want to get excited about Colorado Mountain Camp?! Watch our informational webinar today!

About the Author: Lynne Marsala Basche spent most of her career on the island of Manhattan at two New York publishing companies.  A multi-year Avid4 Adventure mom and a contributor to the Avid4 Adventure website, Lynne’s writing adventures also take her to championing volunteerism and regional recreation stories as a staff writer for the Castle Pines Connection newspaper, as well as supporting separate large corporate communications programs.  By trying to keep pace with her mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, lacrosse playing, unicycling, tae kwon do-loving son, she, like most Avid4 parents, loves sharing the value of outdoor recreation and its positive influence on children’s health and confidence development.  Lynne lives in Castle Pines, Colorado and regularly immerses herself in outdoor activities with her family where she also runs her freelance writing company, Blue Spruce Creative