Tips for a Successful Summer

Kalsman online + Year Round

Home » Tips for a Successful Summer

Preparing for Summer

We are so excited to welcome your camper “home” to URJ Camp Kalsman! Kalsman is a warm, inclusive place full of new friendships, growth opportunities, and inspiring, creative Jewish moments.  We also know that the significant time away from home, even for the seasoned camper, is a big step. We’re here for you and your camper(s) every step of the way! Here are some tips for preparing for an amazing, successful summer for campers of any age:


Practicing Independence with Daily Self Care

  • Brush teeth (at least) twice daily
  • Brush/comb/style hair
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray
  • An efficient shower routine (washing hair, face, and body in a short amount of time!)
  • Proper and frequent hand washing
  • Nail Cutting

 

Organizing and Selecting Clothing

  • All campers have their own cubbies. Talk through with them how their clothes will be packed/arranged. Do you want to use packing cubes or small bins/baskets?
  • Practice putting dirty laundry in a laundry bag. Also-when are clothes dirty? Socks/Underwear are daily dirty items but sweatshirts/jeans may not be. Talk through that with your child.
  • Pack with your child so they know what belongs to them. Help make it easier for them by labeling EVERYTHING!

 

Sharing Space and Cabin (Communal) Living

  • What are some things they might enjoy or struggle with living communally? What might be new that they can expect? Where might they need to compromise with their cabin mates?
  • Help your child determine some activities they can do on their own during Menucha (rest hour) or when they need a break (reading, Pokémon cards, drawing, mad libs, etc.)
  • Talk through with your child about how they can be patient and understanding with cabin mates and understanding that it’s important to remember that everyone can’t have their way 100% of the time.

 

Practicing Executive Functioning Skills

  • Talk to your child about transitions! There will be times at camp where they need to change clothes or shoes between activities-talk through with them what this looks like and what they need for different activities throughout the day
  • Flexibility is key! The daily camp schedule might change due to programming or weather. Let your child know this is a possibility. There also might be an activity they really want to do that is filled before they can sign up. What can they do about that? What is a good response to this?

 

Independence, Problem Solving, and Self-Advocating

  • Teach them about and talk through what it means to advocate for themselves. Who can they go to when they’re upset or need help?
  • How do they handle conflict with their friends/peers? Who are their trusted people and how can this translate to the camp environment?
  • Encourage them to look for a lost or misplaced item(s) before doing it for them
  • When they do have a conflict with a friend, ask them how they would solve it before offering a solution

 

Eating Meals at Camp

  • Explain to your child what it means to eat family style and how to be respectful and patient at a large table. Give them a brief overview of what it means to be a kosher camp
  • Encourage your child to try new items and be aware of all the food options that are in the Chadar (dining hall)
  • Help remind your child to ask for assistance if they are having trouble finding something to eat

 

Enjoying a Tech Free Environment

  • Talk to your child about their screen free summer camp experience and the benefits that will bring them
  • Start to decrease screen and device use in the time leading up to camp, especially around bedtime to help prepare them to do this at camp as well

     

We also encourage you to watch the Camp Video together – note what looks fun, exciting, and maybe a little scary – it’s all natural and, with the support of our amazing staff and Wellness Team, every camper is supported and encourage to be their best, most authentic selves at camp!