Tips for a Confident Camper

Tips to Help Your Camper Feel Ready & Confident

Our staff and counselors are here to support your camper every step of the way—you don’t have to worry about them navigating this alone. These simple preparations are just to help your camper feel more confident and ready to jump into all the fun that camp has to offer.   -Sincerely, from one parent to another.

Preparing for camp doesn’t have to be complicated—just a little intentional time at home can go a long way in helping your camper feel comfortable and excited!

1. Practice basic independence (especially for younger or first-time campers)
For many younger campers, simple routines like showering can feel new. Practice washing hair, using soap, and managing items like towels and toiletries. You can even talk them through it:
“Remember your shampoo, hang up your towel, bring everything back with you.”
These small habits build confidence quickly.
Extra tip: Number their bottles in order of use for showers

2. Pack with your camper
Let your camper be part of the packing process using the attached list. When they know what they brought (and what it looks like), they’re much more likely to keep track of it. This also builds excitement as they prepare.

3. Label everything
Camp is busy, and items can easily get mixed up. Label clothing, water bottles, and gear … EVERYTHING! …. so they can find their way back home.

4. Normalize the emotions
Camp brings new routines, friendships, and time away from home. It’s completely normal to feel both excitement and a little nervousness—especially in the first few days. Our staff are intentional about helping campers feel connected, included, and supported.

5. Talk through the day-to-day experience
If camp is new, walk through what a typical day might look like—meals, activities, cabin time, and evening programs. Knowing what to expect helps ease nerves and builds anticipation. Click here to see your camper’s general daily routine and you can see our housing tour here!

6. Practice independence & habits
Campers will have daily routines and can practice preparing now for things like packing a backpack, making their bed, and keeping their space tidy (we make it fun!).
Idea! At home, make this a game where they have specific things to pack for and can practice–

• “Pack your bag for a day at the waterpark and horses”
• “What would you bring to an evening campfire?”
• “Show me what you need for swimming”
  — it makes a difference!

Our counselors absolutely help! This is to build confidence in your camper so they can feel most prepared.

7. Talk about food and hydration
Encourage your camper to make balanced food choices and listen to their body for energy. Also remind them to keep their water bottle with them and refill often—we have plenty of water stations around camp.

8. Support their health before camp
A strong start matters. Prioritize good sleep, balanced meals, and hydration in the days leading up to camp. If your family uses daily vitamins, staying consistent can help support overall wellness. (Not medical advice)

9. Counselors and how they can help
As a parent, I want my child to know who to talk to if they have an issue or a concern, or someone to simply share feelings with. Talk with your child before camp about their counselor and the role they play at camp. The counselor is there for the children and they want to help and support and lend a hand. The counselor can be that friend or that big brother/big sister to help with whatever is going on.

10. Parent Preparations
What about those of us home while our camper is off on this amazing adventure? Here are some simple ways you can be involved in your child’s week:

• Send daily emails that the camp will print off as letters and deliver to their cabin! (noon deadline for same day delivery)
• Check the photo gallery for daily updates
• Follow us on socials - FB & IG - where stories and posts are made daily
• Order care packages from the camp store on the day of camper drop off 
• Mail packages or letters ahead of time
• Add Camp Kulaqua to your contacts so that if your camper calls home or the office needs to reach you, calls go through 
  • Do not disturb - change your settings while your camper is here for our calls to bypass so you don’t miss us
  • Add us as a favorite - (386) 454-1351
• Pray for your camper and Kulaqua’s summer camp program

All of these are listed in our online tools section here with links and instructions. 

Camp is a busy and wonderful time for the campers. We are grateful and excited to be part of your family’s summer in this special way. Camp camp camp!