Should we send our 8 year old to 1 week sleep away camp (camp silver beach)?

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Alexis

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Has anyone had any experience with Camp Silver Beach through the YMCA? I am a little nervous about this. My son is scared of heights and doing things that are risky, he is also very clingy. We are hoping he will gain some Independence and become self confident, but I would hate for him to run into some rude and mean kids. I know I can't protect him forever, but I don't want to throw him to the wolves.....
 
At that age I would think a daycamp would be better. If he's clingy and nervous of new things I think a whole week away from the comforts of home may be traumatizing.
 
Personally, I would start with a shorter time away, to help him build his confidence in smaller, successful & successive steps.

Do they have an overnight program? Or one you can attend with him?

You can't protect him forever, but you can *teach him how* to protect himself. You don't have to just throw him to the wolves on his own, with no preparation.
 
I started going to sleep away camp at 7. It's the toughest on the young ones 7-10. Camps know it and put the friendliest, most comforting counslers with the youngest kids. Letters help, start sendning them daily about a week before he leaves. Tuck a note into his suitcase, send a photo of you and dad. Send a comfort item with him. The hardest time will be bed-time, otherwise they'll keep him too busy to notice. Perhaps a new book for around bed-time? If he has problems adjusting, they'll call you.

My neice goes to YMCA and always loves it.
 
dont
start him of with just sleepovers with friends.
So he can gain confedence.
Plus he needs friends and also to learn that its okay to be by yourself.
:)
 
No, eight is a little young for a sleep away camp, especially if your son is also dependent and clingy. He'll have an easier time dealing with camp when he's 10 or 11. But eight is a great age for a local day camp that might have a sleepover one night during the week. Look for a good camp through the American Camp Association (ACA). I found that camps accredited through the ACA had the best programs and best trained counselors, which meant a happier camp experience for my kids.
 
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