Last Summer, I started my daughter at the same camp I attended, then worked at, every year between the ages of 10 and 19. My camp memories were magical and integral to my childhood, and I wanted her to have the same experiences I did of having weeks completely disconnected from screens and family schedules; where playing outside, acting silly, meeting new friends, and learning important lifelong skills like basket-weaving and ultimate frisbee were the only thing on the agenda.
I'll admit I was a bit crazy about making my camp dreams for her a reality, signing her up for the day-camp program the first day registration opened on the first year she was old enough to attend. At 5, she was still three years away from aging into overnight camp, and I'll admit that part of my plan was that, after a few years of day camp, she'd be chomping at the bit to join the big kids at sleepaway camp, despite her slightly fearful disposition.
She loved camp as much as I hoped she would and returned again this year, reuniting with camp friends and counselors she met last year and coming home at 3:30 p.m. each day utterly exhausted. Although the decision on whether to ultimately keep her in day camp or send her up to the big leagues at 8 years old is still a couple of years away (the average age for a first overnight camp experience is between 7 and 9, according to the American Camp Association), it's already on my mind.
If you're in a similar situation, here are some things to consider before making the decision about whether your child is ready for overnight camp or not.