Heading off to school camp can be a big moment for your child, especially if it’s their first time staying away from home. A little preparation at home can make all the difference. It helps them feel confident, capable, and ready to take on the adventure.
This page offers practical ways to support your child in the lead-up to camp, from building independence to understanding what to expect and getting involved in packing.
Talk About What to Expect
If you’ve read our page on What to Expect at School Camp, your child may already know the basics of the daily routine and sleeping arrangements. But it helps to talk through the details again at home, especially if they’re feeling unsure.
Knowing what’s ahead can help your child feel more at ease before camp begins. Talking through the basics gives them a chance to ask questions, express concerns, and feel more prepared.
Go Over the Camp Routine
- Talk about what a typical day might look like, including meals, activities, and bedtime
- Explain that they’ll be part of a group and will take part in different activities throughout the day
- Let them know there will be plenty of adults around to help
Discuss the Sleeping Arrangements
- Describe where they’ll be sleeping and who they might share a room or cabin with
- Let them know that boys and girls sleep separately and that adults are nearby overnight
- Reassure them that feeling nervous is normal, especially on the first night
Encourage Questions
- Give your child space to share what they’re curious or unsure about
- Be honest if you don’t know the answer and suggest writing it down to ask the teacher
A calm, honest conversation helps build trust and gives your child a clearer picture of what to expect.
Build Independence at Home
One of the biggest benefits of school camp is the chance for children to practise being more independent. You can help set them up for success by encouraging small steps at home in the weeks leading up to camp.
Let Them Take Responsibility
- Encourage your child to choose their own clothes for the day
- Help them learn to pack and carry their own bag
- Remind them to keep track of things like their water bottle, sunhat, or shoes
Practise Personal Care Routines
- Make sure they know how to brush their teeth, shower, and get dressed without help
- Talk about changing into dry clothes after water-based activities or rain
- Get them used to making their own bed if they don’t already
Use Real-Life Examples
Give your child small jobs around the house, such as setting the table or folding laundry. Explain how these same skills will come in handy at camp. These small moments build confidence and reinforce the idea that they’re capable of managing on their own.
Practise Time Away from Home
If your child hasn’t spent a night away from home before, camp can feel like a big leap. Easing into the idea with short overnight stays can help build their confidence for being away without you.
More Than Just Family
Staying overnight with grandparents or other close relatives can be helpful, but it doesn’t always prepare a child for being away from all familiar adults. If they’ve only ever stayed with family, camp might be the first time they’ve had to rely on teachers or other adults they don’t know as well.
Where possible, try to give your child experiences where:
- They need to ask for help from someone other than a parent or grandparent
- They manage routines like bedtime and morning prep without direct help
- You’re not there to step in if something goes wrong
This might be as simple as a daytime activity or an overnight with a trusted family friend, just outside their usual comfort zone. It’s not about pushing them, but giving them the chance to practise independence in a safe, supported way.
Talk About Who Will Be There
- Remind them they’ll be with classmates, teachers, and other adults they know
- Let them know there will always be someone nearby if they need help
- If parent helpers are attending and your child knows one, mention that too
Involve Them in Packing and Labelling
Packing isn’t just about getting everything ready. It’s also a great way to help your child take ownership of their gear and know where things are during camp.
Go Through the Gear List Together
- Sit down with your child and read through the list provided by the school
- Explain why each item is needed, especially things like a raincoat or sturdy shoes
- Help them understand which items will be shared (e.g. towels in a shared bathroom) and which are just for them
Let Them Help Pack
- Encourage them to lay everything out before it goes in the bag
- Use smaller bags or compartments for grouping similar items (e.g. socks, toiletries)
- Avoid overpacking. Sticking to the essentials will make things easier to manage
Label Everything Clearly
- Use name labels or a permanent marker on clothing, shoes, and gear
- Don’t forget to label items like drink bottles, torches, and sleeping bags
- Help your child recognise their labels so they can identify their own belongings easily
Being involved in packing gives your child a better sense of responsibility and helps reduce the chance of things getting lost.
Talk About Behaviour and Group Expectations
Once the bags are packed, it’s also worth spending a little time talking about how to behave and contribute positively at camp.
Camp is a shared experience, and helping your child understand how to behave in a group setting can set them up for a smoother, more enjoyable time away.
Encourage Respect and Cooperation
- Talk about listening to instructions from teachers and camp staff
- Remind them to treat others with kindness, especially when sharing rooms or working in teams
- Discuss taking turns and helping others when they can
Emphasise Participation
- Let them know it’s okay to feel unsure about new activities, but giving things a go is part of the experience
- Reassure them that no one expects them to be perfect — just to try their best and stay involved
- Remind them that everyone is learning and trying something new together
Ask for Help When Needed
- Encourage your child to speak up if they’re confused, upset, or need support
- Let them know that camp staff and teachers are there to help, not to judge
- Practise simple ways they can ask for help confidently
These conversations don’t need to be formal. A few casual chats in the days leading up to camp can help your child feel more prepared to join in and contribute positively to the group.
Final Checks Before Camp
As camp day approaches, a few last steps can help everything go smoothly. Checking in with your child and making sure the practical details are sorted can ease any last-minute nerves.
Go Over the Gear One More Time
Before camp day arrives, go through the packing list one more time with your child. Make sure everything is clearly labelled and packed in a way they can manage on their own. It also helps to show them where to find key items like their torch, towel, or warm layer so they feel prepared, not flustered.
Confirm the Paperwork
- Double-check that any forms, medical details, and payments have been submitted
- If your child has medication or specific needs, ensure the teacher has clear instructions
- Ask if there’s anything else the school needs from you before camp
Offer Encouragement
- Let your child know you’re proud of them for giving camp a go
- Keep your tone positive and supportive, especially if they’re feeling nervous
- Remind them they’ll have stories to share when they get home
On the Morning of Camp
It’s normal for parents to feel emotional or even anxious about their child heading off to camp. In fact, sometimes parents feel more nervous than their children do, and without meaning to, that energy can transfer to the child and make things harder.
If you’re feeling wobbly, try your best to stay calm and positive during drop-off. Keep goodbyes short and upbeat, even if you’re struggling on the inside. Your confidence will help your child feel secure and ready to go.
- Avoid drawing out farewells as this can make parting more difficult for everyone
- Let teachers take the lead in transitioning the group
- Save the tears for after the bus has gone or you’ve left the school grounds
You’ve done the preparation. Now it’s time to show your child you believe they’re ready.
Feeling confident your child is ready? Now it’s time to get practical. The next page covers what to pack, what to leave at home, and how to keep everything organised for a smoother camp experience.
