Knowing the right age to send your child off to sleepaway camp is a question that is asked of Camp Directors every day. Rhino Merrick, director of Camp Sloane YMCA in Lakeville, CT gives advice to parents who are wrangling with the idea of their child’s first experience.
“Really, there are two important and simple steps for parents”, Merrick says. “First is to chat with your child about camp. When the camper is excited about the idea of going away to camp, that will be a good indicator that they are ready.”
The next step is critical, according to Merrick, a long-time camp director. “You need to find a camp that matches your families’ values”. He suggests speaking to camp directors and asking about camp philosophy, what their licensing and accreditation status is and how many campers and staff the camp has.
Many sleepaway camps begin accepting kids as young as eight years old. A camp that has smaller groups, and more counselors can help younger campers settle in and thrive. While there is no magic age where a child will succeed at camp, parents know their children best and can discover the camp that is the right fit for their family.
“Kids can do so much more than we first assume. I’ve seen timid, shy campers absolutely shine at camp when they are given the right support. I encourage families to reach out to your preferred camps’ director -we all love talking about summer camp”, said Merrick.
More About Camp Sloane YMCA
Camp Sloane YMCA is everything that kids are looking for in a summer camp. They have a rich history of creating magical memories for campers, combining traditional camp activities with modern twists. The choice of activities - everything from sailing to horseback riding, to climbing and dance lessons – allows campers to embrace their spirit of adventure and camaraderie. Days at Camp Sloane YMCA are filled with fun activities and great new friends, while the nights come alive with fireside stories, lightning bugs and s'mores. Campers don’t just ‘go to camp’ when they spend their summer at Sloane. They embark on a journey that will shape memories to last a lifetime. Sleepaway camp should always be this good and the Sloane counselors, who come from all over the world, are excited to welcome your child to Camp Sloane this summer! For more information on the 2025 summer camp season visit: www.campsloane.org.
