Perhaps you never went to camp when you were a child so you don’t have a frame of reference. You may not know how to determine your child’s readiness. Here are some ideas to help you make that decision.

Take your cue from your children. In many cases they’re able to determine their readiness before a parent does. If they’re interested, it’s a good chance they’re ready.

Has your child spent the night with a friend or relative before? Children who are able to be away from parents before are more likely to be good candidates for an overnight camp experience. However, if this is your child’s first experience with overnight camp, see if any of their friends are also attending so they’ll be less likely to experience problems.

Consider sending your child for a shorter session for their first time at overnight camp. By having only one or two weeks away, instead of the 4-8 week sessions which were common in the past, your child will be more likely to stick out the entire session.

How responsible is your child? Can they keep track of their own things and wash their clothes if they’re going to be gone for several weeks? Are they responsible enough to use camp money to purchase things they need rather than candy or other junk food?

Each child is an individual. Even if you were eager to go to overnight camp at the age of nine, that doesn’t necessarily mean your child will when they turn the same age. If they are uncomfortable spending one night at a friend’s without calling you, they are not ready for overnight camp.

Is your child comfortable seeking help from other adults or authority figures if you’re not around? Children who are still attached to their parents often want help only from those they are comfortable with. A child with this tendency may need more time before going to overnight camp.

Picky eaters may also have difficulty at overnight summer camps. The staff may prepare special meals for a child with allergies or religious beliefs which limits what they can eat. However, they’re not going to be willing to prepare a special meal for a child simply because they don’t like what’s being served.

If you ask other parents how they could tell if their child was ready for overnight camp, you’ll likely get a number of answers. When it comes to staying at an overnight camp, you’re the best person to determine if your child is prepared. Look through these tips to help, but then ultimately trust your child to know if they’re ready or not.

A day camp packing list would include a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and lip balm. Toss in insect repellent, a hat, two filled water bottles, comfortable tennis shoes, sandals, at least one extra set of clothing, and a raincoat or umbrella.

If your child has serious allergic reactions or is taking prescribed medication, they should also be on the list. Give the camp director a note to explain how any medicine your child should take is administered, to ensure they’re aware of your child’s situation and can deal with it properly.

Check to see if the day camp will provide lunch and a snack. If those aren’t offered, pack a sandwich (not peanut butter; most camps avoid peanuts because there are so many children with allergies to them), a piece of fruit and juice in a box. Avoid sending chocolate as a snack, choosing granola or an energy bar as an alternative.

It would be a good idea to bring along a snack when you pick your child up. They’ve been busy all day and will probably be hungry and thirsty. And having a snack available will be cheaper and healthier than stopping through the drive through on the way home.

Overnight camping requires the same basic list as for day camp except more is added. Begin by knowing how long the camp lasts. Many camps are one to two weeks but there are some which are longer. Pack twice as many socks and underwear as the days of the camp if washing machines aren’t available.

Here’s what you’ll need if laundry service is available. One t-shirt for each day of the week, several sweatshirts or a jacket in case it gets cool, a pair of shorts for each day of the week as well as two pairs of long pants, two pairs of long pajamas, two pairs of comfortable shoes (tennis shoes or hiking boots) and a pair of flip flops for showering.

Include toiletries such as shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, hairbrush and comb, two wash cloths and at least two towels. Also list feminine supplies if your child menstruates, a disposable camera, and a fishing rod and tackle if fishing is an option. A government-approved lifejacket that fits properly is absolutely necessary if swimming or canoeing is planned.

A pillow, sleeping bag, bed linens, and an extra blanket should also be included. Add a heavy-duty piece of plastic for putting under the sleeping bag or sitting on if the ground is wet. Don’t forget to pack a flashlight with batteries.

As well as things that should be packed, there are some items which should remain at home. These include chewing gum, a cell phone, money, mp3 player or other music device, or handheld video games.

You’ll want to label everything your child takes with their name. Waterproof markers are fine for most things but you can also find press-on labels for clothing. Several pre-addressed and stamped envelopes or postcards are also a good idea along with a pen or pencil to write with. A book or two for down time or for a rainy day would also be good.

If your child has never been to summer camp, now is the time to begin thinking about it. Give yourself plenty of time to do research – this will ensure your choice is good for your child. Ask friends and relatives whose children have gone to summer camp for their suggestions. You can also look online at websites such as kidscamp.com, ccca.org, and acacamps.org for listings of summer camps.

There are a number of types of camp to consider. Resident camp is for children ages 7 and older who will stay in cabins or tents. Day camp is for children 4 to 7 who aren’t ready to stay overnight. Specialty camps concentrate on a particular activity. Special needs camps are for children with mental, medical, or physical limitations. There is usually a higher counselor/camper ratio to ensure the child is safe. Length of sessions can vary from between a few days to as long as the entire summer.

What do you need to consider when searching for a summer camp?

* Cost – If the camp costs more than you can afford, it may not be a good choice this year.

* Location – Local camps may be the best choice if your child has never been away from home. They are often less expensive, too.

* Staff – This is probably the one of the most important things to consider. Is the camp director trained? How many staff members are there to campers? How do they hire counselors and what type of training are they required to take? How do the camp counselors interact with the campers?

* Activities – Be sure to get your child’s input. Since they are the ones who will be attending the camp, you want to choose one which has activities your child will enjoy. Some camps emphasize horseback riding, water sports, or outdoor survival skills. If you find one offering activities your child enjoys, and it’s in your budget, write down the information to compare it with others.

* Facility – If possible, go to the camp before you make your decision to check out the facilities. Are they well maintained? How many children will be in each dormitory or cabin?

If you aren’t able to visit the facility, you may want to scour their website, if they have one. Quite often a website will answer any question you might have, contain photographs, menus, and schedules. Some will also have a virtual tour and map so you can get a mental image.

The above tips on how to choose the right summer camp for your child are the minimum to consider. Take your time comparing camps and you’re sure to find one that meets your child’s needs. Once you have the summer camp chosen, get the necessary paperwork so you can secure your child’s spot.