by Mabel Jane

Created on: May 30, 2010

Right age for overnight.  Overnight camp is a memorable experience for any child. It’s a taste of freedom from parents, a little vacation from home—an extended sleepover with new friends. However, if a child is not yet ready to spend a few nights away from home, it can be a terrifying, embarrassing, or potentially dangerous experience.

Some children mature faster than others, so it is difficult to put an exact number on what age is appropriate for overnight camp. However, many camps do not offer overnights to campers under seven or eight years of age.

While there is no real formula for determining the appropriate age, there are some things to consider when deciding if your child is ready. Ask yourself:

Has my child ever been away from home over night without me?

This is the most important question to ask. If your child has never experienced being without you over night, you and the child have no idea how he or she will react. Sending them away to an unfamiliar place the first time they will be without you is a risky first trial.

It is like swimming for your first time and jumping into the deep end. You should start them off small—one night at a friend or relative’s house to test the waters. That way, you won’t waste your money, gas or sleep if things go sour and you have to pick them up in the middle of the night.

The best way to make sure they are ready for an overnight camp is to give them experience at other overnights—the ones that are free and close to home.

Does my child get homesick? Do they worry or have anxiety?

Camp counselors are trained to deal with homesick children. It is the most common problem at camps across the country. However, some children actually end up going home from camp early if they just can’t deal. If your child is young, it may be too much for them.

For a child who gets easily homesick or has anxiety, their first overnight experience may border on terrifying. Not only would they miss you, but they may actually feel like something bad is going to happen to them and you won’t be there to protect them.

They may also fear that something bad is going to happen to you and they will not be there to protect you. If you do decide to send your child to overnight, try an overnight that is only one or two nights—not a full week—for their first time.

Does my child sleepwalk, wet the bed or have night terrors?

If your child has problems at night, they may not be ready for

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