Source: Joey Barnard, principal specialist, camping, 4-H Youth Development 

 

4-H Camp is an exciting opportunity for youth, but a group living environment with high independence can also be stressful. Basic tasks like managing one’s own belongings and navigating the campgrounds can be a big adjustment. Parents and caregivers can make sure their future campers are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for their upcoming 4-H adventure with these nine helpful exercises: 

1. Pack a suitcase with your child a few days before camp. Packing clothes in Ziploc bags with day labels can help your child stay organized; dirty clothes can then be repacked at each day’s end in the empty bags. 

2. Practice stocking a daypack. Help your child pack their own backpack with items they’ll need for a typical camp day, including a towel, a Ziploc bag for a wet swimsuit, sunscreen, water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. At camp, counselors will also help campers review the schedule and remind them to double-check belongings before moving between activities. 

3. Test-drive a shower caddy for toting toiletries. To manage camp toiletries, try using a small backpack for dry items and a caddy or waterproof bag for wet items. Practice using a caddy at home for bathing, brushing teeth, getting ready for the day, and going to bed. 

4. Help your child keep track of shower time. Camp shower lines can be long. Practice five-minute showers before camp. The showers at camp are private, but for children who are modest, they can always shower in bathing suits. 

5. Prepare to "pitch in" to keep the camp clean. To get into the routine, encourage your youth to sweep, wipe the kitchen table after meals, and make the bed daily. 

6. Get comfortable with tracking time and monitoring surroundings. Camp gets busy! While exploring the campgrounds on the first day, note landmarks. To familiarize your child with the camp layout, look up your campground map on the 4-H website. Before camp, take family walks to prepare your child for hiking. 

7. Encourage your child to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. To determine how many ounces your child should drink daily, divide your child's body weight by two. Start using a camp water bottle in the weeks before camp to track water intake. 

8. Learn how to air-dry wet items. No one likes moldy clothes! Teach your child to use a clothesline and space items out to dry in the sun. 

9. Teach your child how to take a break. Discuss ways your child can find quiet time in a busy environment and how to recognize when a break is needed. Your camper can ask a counselor for quiet time. Talk about managing emotions, too. Give your child a scenario and discuss what to do if problems arise. 

Above all, remind your youth that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed in a new environment and that it is okay to ask for help. Our staff and volunteers want every child to thrive at camp and are committed to supporting your camper. 

Contact your local (COUNTY NAME) Extension office for more information on 4-H Camp opportunities.  

### 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.   

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.   

 

---

4-H