The weather is starting to show signs of promise. Visions of warm summer days and exciting outdoor adventures are forming in the minds of kids in the under-14 age bracket. And many of those dreams are set within the context of a summer camp. It's true, school's not even out, but now is the time to plan if those summer dreams are to become reality.

Your child is looking forward to a great time with new friends. As a parent, you are understandably envisioning a few days of peace and quiet while your youngster is away--It will be a vacation for you both, right? Well, almost.

"Summer camp is more than a vacation for children," points out Bruce Muchnick, a licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps. "At camp, kids learn to appreciate the outdoors, develop companionship and pick up skills that enhance self-reliance, cooperation and interdependence. These skills will remain with them throughout childhood and into adulthood."

Before packing for the big adventure, Muchnick suggests that parents prepare both themselves and their youngster for the summer camp experience:

Consider camp to be a learning experience. This is an opportunity for your child to explore a world bigger than his or her neighborhood. It is also a chance for you and your child to practice "letting go." Letting go allows children to develop autonomy and a stronger sense of self, make new friends, develop new social skills, learn about teamwork and be creative, says Muchnick. This time also allows parents some time to take care of themselves so they will feel refreshed when their child returns home.

Prepare for camp together. Decisions about camp--like where to go and what to pack--should be a joint venture. If you child feels part of the decision-making process, his or her chances of having a positive experience will increase.

If possible, visit the camp you select ahead of time so your child will be familiar with the cabins and other general surroundings. On the way home, discuss what camp will be like. Consider role-playing a few anticipated camp situations, like using a flashlight to find the restroom. If your youngster has never been to camp before, ask if he or she would like to ask a close friend or relative to attend, too.

Talk about concerns. As the first day of camp nears, some kids experience uneasiness about leaving home. Encourage your child to talk about these feelings, and avoid acting on what you believe his or her feelings are. Communicate confidence in your youngster's ability to live away from home.

When packing time comes, allow your child to take along a favorite stuffed animal or photograph. Consider sending a letter to your child before camp begins so he or she will have a letter waiting upon arrival.

Have realistic expectations. Camp, like the rest of life, has high and low points. Although the experience will be new and exciting, not every moment will be filled with wonder. Encourage your child to have a reasonable and realistic view of camp. Discuss both the ups and downs your child may experience. Your child should not feel pressured to succeed at camp. Rather, he or she should focus on relaxing and having fun.

IF ADJUSTMENT IS A PROBLEM
Once your child arrives at camp, he or she may experience some apprehension related to the fear of the unknown or the fear of failure in a new situation. Some refer to this as homesickness, which can show up in the form of stomachaches, headaches, occasional misbehavior (in hopes of being sent home) or even statements about "hating" camp.

"Most kids need a couple of days to adjust to life at camp and being away from home," says Muchnick. "They miss familiar surroundings, parents, pets and friends."

Overcoming feelings of homesickness, managing upsets in the cabin and learning to care for oneself are important challenges that a child can face at camp. If adjustment becomes an obvious problem, however, Muchnick suggests the following:

Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain his or her perception of your child's adjustment.

Acknowledge your child's feelings and communicate your love and support.

Resist the temptation to "rescue" your child. Remember, this is a learning experience. You might say, "If you still feel this way in two days, we'll discuss what we can do."

Support your child's efforts to work out the problems with the help of camp staff.

Trust your instincts: The occasional child who is truly not enjoying anything, is having a miserable time and is not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to return home after a reasonable amount of time and effort.

CAMP IS FOR EVERYONE!
Founded in 1910, The American Camping Association now has more than 5,000 members in all segments of the camp profession. Here are some facts the organization has gleaned from researching its members:

Summer camp is affordable. While fees vary, most resident camps range from $15 to $120 per day. Most day camps generally range from $10 to $50 per day.

Each year, more than a million children who are physically disabled, emotionally challenged or economically disadvantaged experience the joys of summer camp.

The most popular length of summer camp is one week, followed by two weeks, then a month.

Approximately 6,200 of the nation's 8,200 summer youth camps are operated by social service agencies and non-profit groups such as religious organizations and YMCAs.

Summer day camps have grown by nearly 90 percent in the past 20 years. There are now an estimated 3,000 day camps throughout the United States.

Family summer camp programs have increased by more than 500 percent during the past 12 years.

RESOURCES
GUIDE TO ACA-ACCREDITED CAMPS, 1997-98 EDITION: This guide lists all you might need to know to choose a camp for your child, including locations, costs and programs for more than 2,000 ACA-accredited day and resident camps from coast to coast. The guide also provides information on how to tell when a child is ready for camp, how to choose a camp, questions to ask a camp director and what to pack.

Every camp listed in the guide has demonstrated a commitment to excellence by meeting the toughest standards of the American Camping Association. Camps with special programming (i.e, physical or mental health concerns, family programs, weight control) are also highlighted.

Cost is $16.95. For information, call 1-800-428-CAMP. Or visit the ACA website at www.aca-camps.org.

PETERSON'S SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS AND TEENAGERS outlines in-depth information on 1,400 camps and summer opportunities, including academic and travel programs. The book ,which costs $28.95, can be ordered by calling the 1-800-428-CAMP or 1-800-338-3282, ext. 600.

ADDITIONAL INTERNET RESOURCES
Peterson's Education Center at http://www.petersons.com .

KidsCamps Homepage at http://www.kidscamps.com .

The Camp and Conference Home Page at http://www.camping.org .

SUMMER CAMP:
IT'S NOT JUST FOR KIDS ANYMORE
Have you ever considered attending summer camp as a family - together, as one unit?

"The Family Experience" programs take the term "family vacation" to a new level, bringing families together in Maine to enjoy each others' company while participating in educational and creative activities. The objective? That these shared experiences will contribute to your family's well-being by creating a sense of growth, adventure, caring and accomplishment--not to mention fond memories. Best of all, the family package is rather affordable.

For an information packet, contact the Family experience at (207) 563-1047 or by mail at: 99 Perkins Point Road, Newcastle, ME 04553. Or, check out the Family Experience website at http://lincoln.midcoast.com/
~familyex/index.html.

This article was provided by the American Camping Association, a community of camp professionals dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults through the camp experience.