I vividly remember attending summer camp when I was a teen. It was an amazing opportunity to make new friends, try new things, and be away from the comforts of home for a bit! We stayed in cabins within the forests that are redwood in California and ate meals in the mess hall in the camp, eating at table-like tables. We also participated in sports like archery or a ropes course within the trees.
I was happy with my experience, but I was anxious. I had no acquaintances and had not spent much time in a foreign country prior to the trip. The good thing is that I didn’t have to feel anxious, and neither should you. Here are a few things to take care of before, during, and after your camp, or any overnight summer camp for teens, to ensure you get the most enjoyable experience you can get.
1. Begin planning weeks in advance of when you travel.
Do not rush to pack your bags the night before, or you’ll probably forget the essential things. Go through the list of packing items for the camp and make a list of the items that go into your bag. Label everything with your name to ensure that campers don’t know to wash your hair with shampoo.
2. Make sure you save some to spend.
A lot of programs and camps Pre-College courseslet you carry an ATM card, or even open your account with the campus or camp store. It could be the possibility of a trip with your group to town or you may have to purchase deodorant. It is a good idea to have some cash.
3. Don’t be concerned about being sick.
Campuses and camps are always equipped with medical staff available to help your needs. (Like the time I contracted poison oak!) Make sure you bring your personal medications including prescriptions, inhalers or other medications with you, and be sure to follow the guidelines for your campus or camp regarding how to store the items.
4. Begin by making friends prior to your arrival.
Is the summer camp or academic program has an Facebook or any other social media groups? Join it make yourself known to fellow campers, and begin chatting with others who share your preferences. You may make friends prior to you arrive.
5. Find out the activities ahead of time.
Arriving with no idea of what you want to do can lead to joining archery even though you could have opted for lacrosse had you known that it was a possibility. Certain activities, such as horseback riding may have limited space, and may require registration prior to arriving. As well as choosing the activities, look over the map online of the area or campus to give you an some idea of how you can move around.
If you’re playing a musical instrument that is portable, check whether it’s safe to bring it along, even if it’s not part of a performing arts camp. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and make new friends.
6. Do not be timid!
Everyone is going to be shy, and you are the person to break the frozen ice. Participate in all the embarrassing name games, they’ll aid you to establish friendships quickly. Be sure to make sure to say “hello” to people you do not have a relationship with. The chance encounters you make can result in friendships lasting!
7. Be careful not to discuss yourself too much immediately.
Begin by asking people about their own lives. Your campers or your counselors might be distant locations, or even from other countries. Discuss yourself after having gained a good understanding of the others you’ve encountered. Interacting with the lives of others is an excellent method to build relationships.
8. Make sure you are nice to your camp counselor.
Day 1 is the day that your camp counsellors will meet them for the first time. There are plenty of new faces to meet, and they’re trying to determine who will be the most relaxed campers and who will create trouble. Do not be a smart snob and challenge the rules, or you could end up being watched closely for the remainder of your stay at camp. One day, you may decide to become an instructor at camp or dorm advisor for the summer program for teens.
9. Invite your guests to a meal.
Inviting a friend to join you at a dinner with you does more than help you get to know each other more; it also gives your less-than-social group of friends an opportunity to meet new people. The act of inviting a shy camper to be seated with you could alter their entire camping experience. You may also become a new acquaintance. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating by yourself!
10. Keep meeting new friends!
Don’t let yourself be apathetic because two of your friends came to visit you on your first day of camp. Continue to say “hello” to as many people as you can in all the events you take part in. For everyone you meet, ensure that you know their complete name so that you can find them on social media and remain close friends once camp is finished.
11. Take part in different activities, even ones that can make you feel uncomfortable.
Maybe you’re not a fan of playing soccer, swimming and playing games on the board in your dorm. Teen camp or campus program is an excellent occasion to take part in these activities nonetheless. You may discover that it’s not so bad after all!
12. Determine the best way to stay connected with your parents and other friends.
Some camps offer limited Internet or phone service. Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, consider it as an opportunity to be more focused on your camp experience. Write letters to family and friends, and have them to write in return.
13. Encourage your family members to send them care packages.
The idea of a box at the campus or camp post office is lots of fun. If the camp does not allow food items in care packages, make sure to request comic books, games and art materials – all things which can be shared. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people in your room and the dorm.
14. Take care to keep your place tidy.
It’s fun to camp but the clothes scattered over the floor and smelly trash containers and unclaimed toothbrushes aren’t. In most cabins, you’ll be cleaner than the scummy person. The first thing to do is not let them be you! The second thing is to stay in control. Your cabinmates and you do not want to be cleaning while everyone else is enjoying themselves.
15. Make sure you follow the rules.
Remember when I told you to be extra nice to your teachers? This doesn’t only apply to Day 1. It’s not just about being nice and breaking the rules on their behalf. Bring anything that is illegal to camp; intentionally violating curfews and other regulations, as well as behaving in a rude way toward fellow campers, can have unpleasant consequences.