| Whether it's a day camp, a weeklong sleep-away | | | | of the drills they'll be doing, practice those with your |
| camp or a month-long camp abroad, sending your child | | | | kids in the backyard or the local soccer fields. |
| to soccer camp for the first time can be a | | | | New experiences are an exciting and sometimes |
| nerve-wracking experience for the both of you. Here | | | | terrifying part of soccer camp, but practicing a little |
| are a few ways to ease the transition and help them | | | | before your kids go will make the adjustment a lot |
| enjoy the experience. | | | | easier. |
| Involve them in the planning and the prep work. | | | | Talk to them. |
| Likely there are many soccer camps to choose from, | | | | Are your kids worried about camp, that they won't be |
| so narrow it down by your child's needs and your | | | | as good as the other players? Are they excited? |
| budget, and let your child make the final decision on | | | | Both? Sit down and talk with them about it. Let them |
| where to go. If that's not possible, then perhaps he or | | | | know that it's OK to have mixed feelings about going. |
| she can pick some of the activities or classes to take | | | | Talk about homesickness, but be positive and |
| at camp. | | | | encouraging about all the new things they'll learn and |
| Also, let your kids pick out some of the things they'll | | | | experiences they'll have. |
| need for camp. Whether it's practice clothes and new | | | | If they're worried about keeping in touch with friends |
| shin guards or a toothbrush holder and face soap, | | | | and family, give them some stationery and an address |
| letting them help with the planning and preparation will | | | | book, or a phone card so they can call. Or, try giving |
| give them some control over the situation, and | | | | them a journal so they can write down their soccer |
| hopefully stave off the worst of homesickness. | | | | camp adventures, and they can share it with their |
| Practice getting ready for new experiences. | | | | friends when they return. |
| One of the scariest things about any first time at | | | | And don't forget to have fun! |
| camp is that it's an unknown. Find out what will be new | | | | Scary as it may be, the first time away at soccer |
| to your kids and help them practice doing it. If your kids | | | | camp can also be a fun and rewarding experience |
| are going abroad, buy a language dictionary and | | | | that will have your kids begging to go back year after |
| practice saying simple things like "please" and "thank | | | | year. By taking a few steps to make the transition as |
| you" and asking for directions. If they're just going out | | | | smooth as possible, you can make sure they get the |
| of town, spend a day over in the town if it's within | | | | most out of their time at camp. |
| driving distance. If you happen to know or learn some | | | | |