Is My Child Ready for Camp?

Fayssoux Moss17 Nov, 2025

Every year, I get the same question from parents:
“Is my child ready for camp?”

This year, I’m asking it myself.

Our oldest son, Hobbs, turns seven in March and is technically old enough to finally attend camp. We’ve dreamed about this milestone for years and know firsthand how transformative summer camp can be.
But if I’m being honest, I keep catching myself wondering — is he really ready?

I’ve been working with kids since I was thirteen: first as a babysitter, then as a counselor, and now as a camp director for more than twelve years. I’ve guided hundreds of campers through their first nights away from home. I know kids.

But raising your own? That’s a completely different story.

(At the risk of being too vulnerable, I’ll admit this: I know I’m a great camp director, but I’m not always confident I’m a great parent.)

The Two Voices in My Head

The camp director in me knows Hobbs will thrive.
He’ll make friends, gain confidence, and discover independence in ways I simply can’t give him at home. I’ve seen it happen for hundreds of kids just like him. He will love camp.

But the parent in me says, “He won’t pass the swim test… he can barely ride a bike… and let’s be honest, he probably won’t brush his teeth.”

If a parent called me with those same worries, I’d smile and say, “We’ve got this.”
We have campers who proudly rock PFDs every time they visit the waterfront and have the time of their lives. Some kids learn to ride a bike for the first time at camp, and we celebrate those moments like they just summited Everest. And yes, we even train counselors to host “toothbrush parties” to make sure every camper’s smile stays bright.

So, What Will I Do?

I’m sending my son to camp.

On opening day, I’ll slip on my sunglasses to hide the nervous tears as I watch him cross the bridge to meet his counselors and cabinmates. He might be a little unsure (and I might be, too), but I’ll lead with confidence, because I know he needs this.

He needs time away from my hovering “mama energy.”
Time to grow into himself.
Time to be his own person.

And maybe that’s the real answer to the question, “Is my child ready for camp?”
Maybe it’s not just about whether they’re ready, it’s about learning that we both are.

Why I’m Saying “Yes” Anyway

I’m not saying yes because it’s easy.
I’m saying yes because I believe in what camp does for kids.

Saying yes means giving them space to try, to stumble, and to find their footing. Independence isn’t built in a day; it’s something we nurture over time.

That’s what camp does so beautifully.

At camp, kids learn to solve small problems, ask for help when they need it, and find their place in a community that supports them every step of the way. They discover what they’re capable of and that confidence follows them home.

At Camp Pinnacle, that’s what we’re here for:
to partner with parents in raising strong, kind, independent kids who thrive not just at camp, but everywhere life takes them.

Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for Camp

Every child develops at their own pace, but here are a few encouraging signs that your child may be ready for their first camp experience:

They show curiosity about camp life. Maybe they’ve mentioned wanting to try something new outdoors, or they’re excited by our camp video.
They can spend time away from home. A single night at a grandparent’s house or a friend’s sleepover is often all it takes to give them a little boost of confidence and independence.
They can manage simple routines. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, or tidying up (with reminders) shows they’re ready to learn self-care away from home.
They enjoy being around other kids. Camp is social. Children who like teamwork, games, and making friends often thrive in this environment.
They’re adaptable. Kids who can recover from small disappointments (like losing a game) will find success in a supportive camp community.