Three Questions to Ask Your Camper

It's been a busy couple of weeks!  Even though Staff Training and Preview Week are behind us, it's time to think about even more ways we can make your camper's day the best day it can be.  The first day of camp can be a little difficult for some campers who are not yet comfortable in their surroundings, but with all of the games we play, we try to fit as much fun as possible into the day!  I was excited when I went down to our pool today and saw counselors encouraging campers to make the most out of their pool time.  One of our first year counselors, Cierra, played Sharks & Minnows and Stuck in the Mud (no real mud involved!) with her group.  

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what your child actually did while they're at camp, if you ask, "how was your day?"  You'll probably get the same answer, "Good, fine, HOT!"  But, if you ask more open-ended questions, it's easier to get more information out of your camper.  Try these three questions to lure out the real answers about their day:

1.  What was the best part of your day?  Sometimes it's hard for a child to remember every game they played or every song they sang, but if you ask them to highlight their favorites, and even explain them, you'll learn more about what they're really doing while at camp.  

2.  What are your new friends names?  On the first day of a session we spend the beginning of the day playing games that help kids get to know their fellow campers.  Many returning campers are excited to see their old friends and new campers run into more old friends than they would usually expect!    

3.  What are you looking forward to tomorrow?  Sometimes campers don't get to do everything they hoped to on the first day.  Maybe they got to go to Archery, but didn't get to go to the Climbing Tower.  We try to remind them that there's always another chance to try an activity.  

Bonus Question!  What Cartoon Hero will you be on Friday?  This week starts our two week Superhero Session.  Friday is dress like your favorite Cartoon Hero Day, July 4th is Captain America Day!  Get creative... capes encouraged!