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Posted by Megan Sweeney ● Wed, Mar 26, 2014 @ 16:03 PM

8 Types of Camper Parents (Which One Are You?)

An international staffer once shared that upon first learning about American summer camps, he wondered incredulously, "What kind of parent sends their kid away to camp???"

After having worked with hundreds of camper parents over my years on staff, here are a few of my personal insights on the 8 types of Camper Parents.

Type #1: Eager Beavers 

Richelle WhooHoo 3

Whether it’s because you’re confident that your children will enjoy their time at camp or because you could really use a little quiet time without those kiddos (whom you love so much!), the “Eager Beaver” is just as excited as their kids about summer camp! Knowing the kids are in good hands can free up time for projects around the house, catching up with friends, or just taking some personal time to relax!

Type #2: Reluctant Relinquishers

8 Types of Camper Parents | Reluctant Relinquishers When I go to camp fairs, I often talk to prospective first-time camper parents about our 1st-3rd grade Mini-Camp program. I describe it as a great program for campers who may not be ready for a full week of camp--or for parents who aren’t quite ready to let their child go for an entire week!

The “Reluctant Relinquisher” understands that while the idea of allowing someone else to be responsible for the care of his or her child for a week can be very worrisome, the benefits for the child absolutely outweigh the concerns of the parent. From gaining independence, to experiencing nature and being “unplugged” from technology, to increasing problem-solving and creativity skills, camp can be an important part of child development. For more information on the benefits of camp, see our blog The Value of the Summer Camp Experience.

Type #3: Quality Time Seekers

8 Types of Camper Parents | Quality Time Seekers

As one of five children, it was a special occasion when I got to spend some one-on-one time with my mom or dad. Parents with two or more kids often have to carve out a specific time to get a few moments with just one child. If you strategically plan to send your kids to camp different weeks, you might be a “Quality Time” parent. Like long-time Pecometh supporter Carol Reynolds (pictured above with her daughter, former camper and staffer Sarah Reynolds), the Quality Time parent arranges to send one child to camp while creating fun memories at home with the other, only to flip-flop later in the summer.

Type #4: Me Time Seekers

8 Types of Camper Parents | Me Time Seekers

On the opposite side of the coin, if you have multiple children, summer camp might be the only time when you can arrange to have ALL of the kids gone at once. There is no shame in being a “Me Time” parent! When trying to balance a career, school, volunteer positions, kids’ schedules, and everything else that life throws at you, finding time to be by yourself can be next to impossible. Like the Eager Beaver, you know that your kids are safe and having the best week of their summer at camp, so you can take some time for yourself--whether that’s with a spouse, friends, or a good book! Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog of suggestions for how to spend your week while the kids are away at camp.

Type #5: Researchers

8 Types of Campers Parents | The Researchers

Are you reading this blog post as part of a reconnaissance mission to learn more about camp before signing up? Then you might be "The Researcher." You like to have all the details lined up: the health form filled out in February, the packing list checked off weeks in advance, and letters written and scheduled to arrive on Monday (“Have a great week!”), Wednesday (“Are you still remembering to wear your sunscreen?”, and Thursday (“Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!”) of the week your child is at camp. You just might even have our Registrar, Julie, on your speed dial to answer questions about camp as they come up! It never hurts to be prepared.

Type #7: In A Hurry Parents

8 Types of Camper Parents | The In a Hurry Parent
If it’s Sunday morning of your child’s week at camp, and you are just realizing that her health form isn’t filled out, she doesn’t have a pair of watershoes, and it actually takes an hour and a half to get to camp, not the 45 minutes you originally thought… you are probably the “In a Hurry” parent. And while you might feel like you don’t have it all together while you try to get your camper’s gear together, don’t feel bad--you’re not alone. We always have extra forms to fill out and extra items in the trading post for purchase or borrowing if it turns out that your camper did leave something at home.

Type #8: Former Campers/Staffers 

8 Types of Camper Parents | The Former Camper/Staffer

These parents have the inside scoop--they know from personal experience as a camper or as part of the staff exactly how incredible summer camp can be! Some parents just know from the start that their children will attend camp, like Pecometh’s Alumni Association President JR Burkhardt (pictured here with son Adam!). As former staffer and guest blogger Sara Bittner described in her post, From My Camp to Our Camp, there’s something special about sharing traditions from one generation to the next.


 

When I was a camper, my parents were a mix: In a Hurry Eager Beavers. The truth is, any and all types of parents send their kids to camp. What type of camper parent are you? (Or, what type were your parents?)  Let us know, and tell us if we missed any types.

Camp Pecometh Brochure

Topics: Camp

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