How to Prepare for Summer Gymnastics Camp
Summer gymnastics camp can be exciting for gymnasts of all ages. Going to camp takes a lot of physical and mental preparation, though – for both the gymnast and the parents! We did a little research on preparing for camp, and we want to share what we learned with you!
For Gymnasts
Packing is not something that should wait until the last minute. It’s not fun to scramble around the morning of camp packing, only to get to camp and realize you forgot something important!
Especially at a week-long camp, your young gymnast will need to know some basic life skills to succeed on her own. When sharing a room with others, your young gymnast needs to make sure she knows how to make her bed and keep her clothes put away. Have your young gymnast practice doing her own hair for gymnastic practice so she’s an expert at it by the time she gets to camp.
If your gymnast has never been to an overnight camp before, it may be a good idea to practice independence by sending her to a friend or family member’s house for a sleepover. This can help decrease any chances of homesickness when she’s at camp this summer. If your gymnast is especially nervous about staying away from home, pack a stuffed animal or other personal item from home to comfort her at camp.
If your gymnast has a favorite doll, she can pack matching leotards for herself and her doll!
Make a plan for talking to your gymnast while at camp. Many camps don’t allow cell phones, so do a little research together to learn if the camp your gymnast is attending lets campers make phone calls home. Otherwise, set up a letter-writing or email plan so your gymnast can share stories with you while she’s at camp!
Remind your gymnast that she’s going to camp to learn new skills and make new friends. It’s okay if she’s not the “best gymnast” or “strongest athlete” at gymnastics camp. Instead of being sad or worried about it, she should take the opportunity to learn from those stronger gymnasts, and even make new friends!
For Parents
By sending your gymnast to camp, you’re letting her know that you believe she can take care of herself. She will be more confident in herself and will learn leadership skills at camp.
Help your gymnast stay involved in the entire camp process, not just going to camp. Let her help pick her camp and decide what she wants to pack. Research the camp together by looking online or talking to gymnasts who have been there before. Talk with your gymnast about the camp experience and answer any questions she has about being away from home.
Consider sending a letter or small care package ahead of time so that it is at camp waiting for your gymnast when she gets there. This will help ease any initial nervousness when she first arrives at camp and remind her that you are still supporting her even from home.
One of the most important things you can do as a gym parent for your gymnast going to camp is to avoid sharing your nervousness and doubts with her. Telling her how much you’ll miss her or that you’re scared for her to be gone for so long will only make it harder for her to leave for camp. Instead, emphasize how much fun camp will be and how excited you are for her to experience something new.
Do you have any camp preparation tips for gymnasts or parents? Let us know in the comments!
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