As the school year wraps up we are in a whirlwind of end-of-the-year activities and with all the picnics, ceremonies, pool parties, recitals I’m having a hard enough time making sure I stay on top of each day and send each kid off with the proper clothing, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. For snacks, I usually make them sandwiches using a french baguette loaf, ham, and as much vegetables my kids can tolerate. However, as I dropped them off yesterday I thought, “It’s like I’m sending them off to camp and not school.”
CAMP!
That’s right! In two weeks my oldest starts the summer by going to camp. I’m not sure I’m totally prepared either. It’s a good thing I’m working with MinuteClinic to get me in #ReadySetCamp mode! And I’m not just talking about the camp physicals you can obtain at each MinuteClinic. After following the camp required packing checklist I like to do a little more to get my girls camp ready, especially my youngest who is going off for her first solo camp week next month.
Send Them Off with Confidence:
1. Stay in Touch.
Ask if the camp offers ways to connect with your camper, such as email or by phone. You may also want to ask about wireless access if your child has a mobile device. Self-addressed, stamped postcards that are ready to go whenever they want to write home.
2. Talk to Your Child.
Let your children know that it’s okay to be worried, a little nervous, or to miss home at first. Be encouraging and remind them that this will be an adventure and home will be there when they return.
3. Pack Something Familiar.
We have security blankets and stuffed puppies and bunnies we pack. If they’re ever feeling homesick, a trinket from home can be comforting – whether it’s a photo, blanket, stuffed animal or their favorite toy.
4. Have Them Log Their Trip.
This is my favorite. My mother-in-law sends the girls to camp near her house and records each day for them in a journal she picks up at the dollar store every summer. The girls and I all love reading about past years at camp and what they did each day.
Preserve camp memories with disposable cameras and a journal. They can share it and to relive their adventures with friends and family later.
In addition to your basic care needs, did you know that MinuteClinic can help with bug bites, sunburns and rashes? Oh, indeed! They can clean up and treat bug bites, recommend the right treatment for sunburns and diagnose whether it is poison oak or ivy that has you scratching like crazy and give you the proper medcine to fix you or your kiddo right up.
Want to know more? Get ready for the @MinuteClinic #ReadySetCamp Twitter party on June 10 at 1PM EST! RSVP here.
