Camp is almost here…it has certainly snuck up on us! As much as it is exciting for campers, it can be stressful for parents, especially when you’re not sure how to prepare your camper for their first day. We want parents to enjoy the first day of camp, just as much as their camper(s), so we have put together our most thought out and practical tips for parents to utilize.

1. Get a good sleep. This goes for both parents and campers. Getting into a routine at least a week before camp begins will make it easier for both parties to wake up in the morning and be energized for the day ahead.
2. Plan your outfits. Nobody likes waking up in the morning and then having the burden of figuring out what they’re going to wear. So, plan ahead! Choose your outfit the night before and leave it out on a dresser or hanging up together. This will make it easier for your camper to dress themselves and it will give you more time to prepare breakfast.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast. Everyone always says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so make sure that you don’t skip it! Load up on fruits and healthy carbs that will give both you and your camper(s) an extra skip in your step.7
4. Pack. Pack. We recommend packing a backpack for your camper(s) to bring back and forth to camp every day of the week. Inside the backpack, we recommend packing: lots of water, sunscreen, athletic gear (it does not need to be soccer gear), hat, lunch and lots of nut free snacks, and swim suit & towel (if participating in the afternoon swim).
5. Leave electronics at home. The best part about camp is that there are always other campers around to play with and the camp staff have a bunch of activities campers can participate in, so there is no need to bring electronics. Our camp staff are also not responsible if those items go missing! You camper(s) will have so much fun they won’t even notice they’re not in front of a screen.
6. Prepare your camper(s) emotionally and mentally. After sitting in a classroom all day for the last 10 months, your camper(s) won’t be used to being outside all day. Start spending less time indoors, as a family, and immerse your camper(s) in the outdoors. Spend the afternoon at the park or going for a walk. Talk to your camper(s) about attending camp – ask them what they’re excited about, what they’re nervous about, what they think camp will be like – it will give them a better sense of what to expect on day one.
7. Get them excited! They are going to camp! Who can’t be excited for camp?!

We cannot wait to see you at site this summer! For any other tips and tricks for preparing for camp 101, email info@royalsoccer.com.