How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Holiday Camp Experience

Sending your child to their first holiday camp is an exciting milestone for both parents and kids! However, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about this new adventure. Whether your child is full of confidence or feeling a little unsure, preparation is key to ensuring they have a smooth and positive experience.

At SuperCamps, we know how important it is for children to feel comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy their time away. This guide will help you prepare your child for their first holiday camp so they can make the most of the fun, friendships, and activities that await them!

1. Talk About What to Expect

For many children, the unknown can feel a little intimidating. Talking through what they can expect at camp will help reduce any worries they might have.

Describe the Day: Talk about the routine – from drop-off to activities, lunch, and pick-up.

Exciting Activities: Share the fun things they’ll get to do, like sports, arts and crafts, team games, and more.

Meet New Friends: Let them know they’ll meet lots of other children who are also excited to be there.

Encourage your child to ask questions and answer them as positively and honestly as you can. SuperCamps is all about creating a safe and friendly space where every child feels included and happy.

2. Visit the Camp Location (if possible)

If the camp location is nearby, visiting ahead of time can work wonders to ease any nerves. Seeing where they’ll be spending their time—whether it’s classrooms, play areas, or sports fields—makes the environment feel familiar and welcoming before their first day.

If a visit isn’t possible, take a look at photos or videos of the camp on the website together. This will help them visualise the space and get excited about their new adventure.

3. Pack Together

Involving your child in packing for camp makes them feel prepared and gives them a sense of ownership over the experience. Create a checklist together and make sure they know what’s in their bag.

Here’s a simple list for most holiday camps:

Comfortable clothes and trainers for active play.

A refillable water bottle to keep hydrated throughout the day.

A packed lunch and healthy snacks.

Weather-appropriate items: coats, hats, or sun cream, depending on the season.

A spare change of clothes, just in case.

Let your child pick a few small personal items, like their favourite water bottle or hat, to make them feel at home.

4. Build Their Confidence

Building confidence ahead of time can help your child feel more excited and less anxious about camp.

Role Play: Pretend you’re at camp together. Talk through activities, meet “new friends,” or even practise saying hello to camp leaders.

Share Stories: If your child has siblings, cousins, or friends who’ve been to camp, let them share stories about all the fun they had.

Focus on the Fun: Highlight the games, activities, and adventures they’ll enjoy. Reassure them that the camp leaders are friendly and always there to help.

Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, but remind them they’ll soon be having so much fun they won’t even notice the time flying by!

5. Prepare for the First Day

Make the first day as smooth as possible by being organised and positive:

Lay out clothes, bags, and lunches the night before to avoid rushing in the morning.

Arrive a little early to allow time for drop-off and for your child to settle in.

Be cheerful and confident at drop-off, even if you feel a little emotional—kids pick up on their parents’ feelings!

Say a quick and encouraging goodbye, reminding them that you’ll hear all about their adventures at pick-up time.

6. Stay Connected (but Give Them Space)

For younger children, knowing you’re thinking of them can be reassuring. If the camp allows, you could write a small note for their lunchbox with a positive message like, “Have fun today! Can’t wait to hear about it later!”

Avoid hovering or over-checking. Trust the camp staff to provide the care, supervision, and support your child needs to thrive and enjoy their day.

7. Celebrate Their Success

After their first day at camp, celebrate their courage and accomplishments. Ask open-ended questions like:

“What was your favourite activity today?”

“Did you meet any new friends?”

“What are you looking forward to tomorrow?”

Encourage them to share their experiences and remind them how proud you are of their big step. Recognising their achievements will help build their excitement and confidence for the rest of the week.

Why SuperCamps Makes It Easy for First-Time Campers

At SuperCamps, we understand how important it is for children (and parents!) to feel confident about their first camp experience. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe, fun, and welcoming environment where every child can thrive.

Here’s how we make it easy for first-timers:

✅ Friendly, DBS-checked staff who are there to support and encourage your child.

✅ Structured activities to keep kids engaged, active, and happy.

✅ Safe and secure environments so parents can feel reassured.

✅ Lots of opportunities for fun and friendships with other children.

From the moment they arrive to the moment they head home, your child will be cared for, encouraged, and inspired to make the most of their time at camp.

Conclusion: A Big Step, Made Easy

Preparing your child for their first holiday camp is all about building excitement, confidence, and a sense of readiness. By talking through what to expect, involving them in the preparations, and celebrating their success, you’ll help turn this big milestone into a fun, positive experience they’ll want to repeat again and again.

If you’re ready to give your child an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, friendships, and new skills, SuperCamps is here to help!