The Wilderness Is Calling
💙 Helping Your Daughter Get Ready for Camp Two Roads
We believe that your daughter’s upcoming week at Camp Two Roads will be one of the most fun, meaningful, and confidence-building experiences of her life. She’ll make friends, try new things, and come home with great stories.
At the same time, we know camp can be a big change—especially if it’s her first time away from home. Here are some simple ways to help her feel ready for the adventure.
🌟 Talk About Camp Together
Let your daughter know how proud and excited you are that she’s going to camp! Look at the camp schedule and materials together. Talk about which activities she’s most excited to try. Let her imagine what a day at camp might look like.
At the same time, be honest that missing home is normal. Lots of kids feel a little nervous before camp starts—even returning campers. That’s okay! It’s a chance to build confidence and try new things.
🧠 Build a “Camp Mindset”
Help your child know that it’s okay to have both happy and nervous feelings at the same time. Here are a few things you can say:
- “It’s normal to feel nervous before something new.”
- “You’ve done hard things before—you can do this too!”
- “Everyone at camp is learning and growing, just like you.”
Share times in the past when she tried something new and felt proud afterward. Those stories can be a big confidence boost.
💬 Talk About Coping Tools
Sometimes kids worry about what to do if they feel sad. Plan together for what to try if she misses home:
- Take deep breaths and think of something fun.
- Talk to a counselor or another adult.
- Write a letter home or keep a journal.
- Stay busy with activities and friends.
- Take photos to show you after camp.
- Mark off the days on a small calendar.
Knowing she has a plan can help her feel more in control.
🏕 Practice Independence
- Camp is a great place to grow—but it helps to practice some basics first:
- Practice sleepovers with friends or relatives.
- Pack together so she knows where things are—like her flashlight and pajamas.
- Send printed photos or small notes she can put near her bunk.
A special note for your young camper:
Remember that your daughter will be in charge of taking a shower and washing her hair, along with keeping up with her belongings. If she’s new to this, it’s a good idea to take time practicing these skills before camp begins.
These small steps help camp feel less overwhelming on day one.
👯♀️ Help Her Feel Ready to Make Friends
Camp is full of new people and new chances to connect! If your daughter is nervous about making friends, talk about simple ways to start a conversation:
- Smile and say “hi.”
- Ask what someone is excited to do.
- Invite someone to join an activity.
Let her know that everyone at camp is looking for friends—just like she is.
🍽 Prepare for New Routines
Camp food and schedules might be different than at home. Encourage your daughter to try new things, but let her know it’s okay not to like everything. Remind her she can always talk to a counselor if she needs help with anything.
🚫 Don’t Offer a Rescue Plan
It’s very tempting to say,
“If you’re sad, I’ll come get you.”
One of the worst things that you can tell your daughter is, “If you don’t like camp, then I’ll come get you.” This type of decision puts a big weight on a child’s shoulders and typically sets her up for failure. She will be so preoccupied and overwhelmed with deciding whether or not to go home that she will never fully embrace camp.
Instead, try saying:
- “We believe in you!”
- “You can do hard things.”
- “Everyone feels a little nervous—then they start to have fun.”
This helps her focus on making the most of her time at camp.
💬 Listen Without Leading
If your daughter says she’s nervous, ask open questions instead of guessing how she feels. Try:
“What are your thoughts about heading off to camp in a few days?”
Listen with care, and respond with encouragement.
🎯 Keep Expectations Real
Camp is full of fun—but not every moment will be perfect. Remind your daughter that it’s okay to have both ups and downs. She doesn’t need to love every activity or make best friends on the first day. Just trying her best is more than enough.
💙 Be Her Confidence Mirror
Your energy makes a big difference. Stay positive when you talk about camp, and avoid saying things like:
“I’m going to miss you so much!”
Instead, try:
“I can’t wait to hear all your stories!”
“You’re going to do great things at camp!”
Let your daughter know that you believe in her—and that you’re proud she’s taking this step.
✨ Final Reminder
At Camp Two Roads, your daughter will be supported, encouraged, and cared for. There’s no one “right” way to do camp—every girl will have a different journey. We’re here to help her grow, try new things, and come home with new confidence in herself.
We can’t wait to welcome her!
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