Use this article (as-is or edited to better fit your camp and campers) as a wonderful addition to your website OR in your get-ready-for-camp packets.  Whether you stay in touch with campers after registration via mail, phone or email - this type of article is a wonderful way to improve the camp experience for everyone involved.

How to Have a Good Time at Sleep Away Camp

So you just registered for a sleep-away summer camp, But you have never been to one? This guide will help you have a great time, and make new friends.

Steps

1. Visit the camp website; it provides valuable information regarding rules, cabins, and what you do at camp. If there are any free camp brochures, those are useful too. If you know anyone who goes to (or has gone to) the same camp, ask them questions.
2. Look at the packing list, and bring what it lists, and maybe even more. It is actually not a bad idea to "overpack". At camp, because you will be living in a cabin with several other people, things get lost and swapped around quite frequently.
3. Pack all of your gear in a suitcase, duffel bag, and a backpack to bring onto the camp bus. The camp bus is very fun - it is a good way to meet people ahead of time, and many of the kids who ride the bus are long-time campers who can answer your questions. If you are riding with your parents, the drive is a good time to relax and pull yourself together.
4. Once you get to camp, go into your cabin and claim a bunk! The top is very good if you like space, but the bottom is warmer. Sometimes there are beds already set up for you, and in that case there's not much you can do about it.
5. Try to be friends with the people in your cabin, and be nice to them. You will be living with them for the next 2+ weeks, and there are bound to be people who you click with. People who are in your cabin at camp can be your lifelong friends if you give them a chance.
6. Always try to make new friends as you never know how nice people can be unless you try! There will be chances to meet kids outside of your cabin and you can make dozens of long-time pals this way. It is good to know a variety of people at camp.
7. Participate in the activities, and don't be afraid to try something new. There will be plenty of new experiences at camp, and you are definitely going to like at least a few of them! Everybody has activities that they like and dislike, so find things that you enjoy.
8. Try getting a camp boyfriend/girlfriend. They can sit with you at lunch and help you with things, plus be a best friend when you need it. Because summer camp involves hundreds of people, it's a (little-known) fact that no matter who you are, someone will like you. Honestly.
9. Socialize! This cannot be stressed enough. Camp is fun because of the people you experience it with.
10. On the last day of camp, exchange e-mails and AIM names with all your camp friends, so you can keep in touch. The camp might send out a directory too, which will be useful.
11. Behave on the bus ride home, and don't think because it's your last day you can be bad. Don't be fooled - the counselors will find a way to punish you on the last day if they need to.

Tips

• Don't hide an injury, it will get worse and you could be seriously hurt. Most camps have trained nurses who can help.
• Be friends with a lot of people so next year, at the same camp, you'll have a head start. The more you go back, the more prepared you will be.
• If you get homesick, write to your parents and they might send you a care package. Most camps let you call or email your parents regularly.
• To prevent getting homesick, bring a stuffed animal or a picture of your family from home.
• When you're packing, don't throw everything into your bags, neatly fold them and put them in. Things will get plenty messy over the summer.
• HAVE FUN!!!

Warnings

• Don't get yourself kicked out of camp. Everybody likes to pull pranks now and then, but getting sent home early is nothing to smile about.
• Be nice to people.
• Be careful!
• Don't sleep on the top bunk if you move a lot while you sleep, as some camps don't have guard rails!

Related wikiHows

• How to Live Through Your New Summer Camp
• How to Dress at Summer Camp
• How to Survive at Band Camp
• How to Survive Sleepaway Camp

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