Be sure to take your time picking a Overnight Summer Camp. But start early! Prepare for camp involves more than just packing their trunk. You want to make sure that your child has all their emotional ducks in a row for this (maybe) first time away from home.

Be sure to take your time picking a Overnight Summer Camp. But start early! Prepare for camp involves more than just packing their trunk. You want to make sure that your child has all their emotional ducks in a row for this (maybe) first time away from home.

Getting your child ready for camp requires a delicate balance. Talking about this exciting new experience is great but, you also don't want to overdo it. Over discussing Summer Camp can cause, children to loose a sense of reality, lead to expectations and fantasies that can't be met, thus, leading to disappointment. It's also possible that these discussions continually highlight fears which, lead only to an increase of homesickness. Several months before the beginning of camp you may want to start yur disscussions but not much before April. As receive pre-camp information it's wise to share these with your child.

Talking about Summer Camp: Children have incredible radar, and can easily feel your concerns and fears. Carefully select the words you use when talking about camp. Be sure to visit your local library to pick up books and movies about summer camp. Sure, many of these have exaggerated storylines they can produce good conversation. Watch or read them together.

However, make sure to pick up on the subtle signals that your child sends. If they seem put off by the books or videos, then drop the subject. Most importantly, make sure that you never use camp as a threat or in anger. It's important that you never seem like you're counting the days until your child leaves for camp. The words can linger longer than you think, and it will confuse your child about what camp is supposed to be. Your child should believe that camp is a fun experience and that is why you have chosen it.

Some Dos: * Do try to have your child meet the camp director before camp begins.

* Do talk about the camp in a positive way, to let your child know that you believe camp is a safe, exciting place.

* Do try and arrange a play date with a fellow camper before camp. If this is not possible, try and establish a link through mail, e-mail, or phone.

* Have your child meet the camp director before camp.

* Do allow your child to verbalize her concerns, even if they sound silly. You may learn about worries that you can easily resolve.

* Talk to an fellow camper about the program. He or she can tell you what you will really need to know and what kids really wear, and do at camp.

Some Don'ts: * Minimize change as camp comes close. Keep things as normal as possible, especially in the time close to the first day.

*Family vacation just prior to camp are not a great idea. Be home for a few days prior to camp. This provide the comfort of a normal routine.

*Never let your child think you are worried about their adjustment to the camp environment.

For more information on helping your child at Children's Summer Camps visit Summer Camp Advisor.