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10 Ways To Curb Camp Anxiety

School is out and parents everywhere are preparing to send their kids to camp. Leaving home for camp can be an anxious time for both the parents and the kids -- here are 10 tips from Professional Organizers in Canada on how to get organized and curb camp anxiety.
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10 WAYS TO CURB CAMP ANXIETY

School is out and parents everywhere are preparing to send their kids to camp. Leaving home for camp can be an anxious time for both the parents and the kids - here are 10 tips from Professional Organizers in Canada on how to get organized and curb camp anxiety:

1. PREP WORK - Prep your child for the activities he/she will be taking by talking to them about it. You can also try to do some of these activities with them prior to camp and allow them to watch others do the activities as well.

2. GET THEM PACKING - Encourage your kids to pack his/her "own" equipment and clothes. You can create a list of items together and get them to check it off to ensure they didn't forget anything.

3. CLOSE IS KEY - If it's your child's first time at camp, choose one that's close to home so they feel comfort in knowing you are not too far away and that they can always come home if they want to.

4. VISIT - Visit the camp and the camp leader ahead of time so that your child has at least one friendly and familiar face upon arrival on the first day of camp.

5. PIECE OF HOME - Pack your child's favourite book, cuddly or family picture to help them feel secure with the knowledge that there's always a little piece of home and familiarity that's always with them.

6. LABEL IT - Whether it's clothing, shoes, boots, or flashlights, make sure you label everything! You may feel silly labelling your child's toothbrush but when three other kids show up with the same Monsters Inc. brush, you will be glad you did and they will be glad you did!

7. KEEP THEM MOBILE - If they are old enough (and the camp allows it), give your child a cell phone so that when he/she feels anxious they can phone home.

8. CAMERA HAPPY - A disposable camera is a great way for your kids to capture the memories of camp and to share them with you when they get home. Plus it will help to keep their mind off being anxious.

9. POCKET CALENDAR - Pack a pocket calendar with the dates that the child is at camp with a happy sticker at the beginning marking his/her exciting adventure and a happy sticker at the end marking the day you will see each other. Make sure you add some extra stickers for the days in between so they can keep track.

10. ROLE PLAY - Rehearse some phrases that your kids can use when meeting and making new friends. It's a fun way to help curb their nerves and provide them with some practice on how to break the ice!

Make sure you schedule in some family time once the kids get home so they can tell you all about their great experience at camp!

For more information on Professional Organizers in Canada or to find a professional organizer in your area, visit the POC website at:

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