Summer camp season is just around the corner, and if you're in Toronto or a nearby city in Ontario, you're in luck. There are so many amazing camps for kids all over Canada. Whether your child is heading off to a lakeside retreat, an adventure camp in the mountains, or a creative arts program, it’s the perfect opportunity for them to learn and grow. To help your kids make the most of their camp experience, here are some practical etiquette tips you can teach them before they go.
1. Introduce Yourself and Be Friendly
Tip for Parents: Encourage your child to introduce themselves to their bunkmates and counselors on the first day. Practice at home by role-playing introductions. Say something like, “Imagine you’re at a camp by Lake Simcoe, and you meet a new friend. How would you introduce yourself?” Remind them that a simple “Hi, I’m Vihaan. What’s your name?” can help start a conversation and make new friends. Emphasize the importance of smiling and being approachable.
2. Share and Take Turns
Tip for Parents: Discuss the importance of sharing and taking turns with your child. Use examples from daily life, such as sharing toys or taking turns on the playground. Explain that at camp—whether it’s a sports camp in Muskoka or an arts camp in YMCA, they’ll need to share equipment and supplies. Reinforce that sharing and taking turns make activities more enjoyable for everyone.
3. Respect Personal Space and Belongings
Tip for Parents: Teach your child about respecting others’ personal space and belongings. Use everyday examples to illustrate this. For instance, if they want to borrow a sibling’s toy, they should ask first and return it in good condition. Explain that at camp, respecting personal space and belongings helps build trust and keeps everyone happy.
4. Practice Good Hygiene
Tip for Parents: Emphasize the importance of good hygiene, especially in a camp setting where many kids share facilities. Teach your child to wash their hands regularly, particularly before meals and after using the restroom. Encourage them to keep their sleeping area tidy and to respect communal spaces by cleaning up after themselves. Good hygiene practices help everyone stay healthy and happy at camp.
5. Listen and Follow Instructions
Tip for Parents: Explain why it’s important to listen to camp counselors and follow their instructions. Practice active listening skills at home by giving your child simple tasks and checking how well they follow directions. Highlight that counselors are there to keep everyone safe and ensure everyone has a great time, whether they’re at a wilderness camp in the Rockies or a tech camp in the city.
6. Include Everyone
Tip for Parents: Teach your child the value of inclusivity by encouraging them to include everyone in games and activities. Discuss how it feels to be left out and the positive impact of making others feel welcome. Encourage them to look for kids who might be shy or alone and invite them to join in. Practice inclusive behavior at home by involving all family members in activities.
7. Use Manners
Tip for Parents: Reinforce the importance of using good manners like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Role-play different camp scenarios where they might need to use these phrases. Explain that polite language helps create a respectful and pleasant environment for everyone. Make manners a daily habit at home to reinforce their importance.
8. Handle Conflicts Calmly
Tip for Parents: Teach your child how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully. Discuss and role-play different conflict scenarios, showing them how to use “I” statements like “I feel upset when…” to express their feelings. Encourage them to seek help from a counselor if they cannot resolve the issue on their own. Highlight the importance of staying calm and respectful during disagreements.
9. Stay Positive and Have Fun
Tip for Parents: Encourage your child to maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Explain that things might not always go as planned, but staying positive can make the experience more enjoyable. Share stories or examples of how a positive attitude helped you in similar situations. Emphasize that camp is about having fun, making friends, and creating memories.
By teaching these etiquette tips, you’re setting your child up for a fun, respectful, and enriching summer camp experience. In a place as vibrant and diverse as Ontario, your child will have countless opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. Whether they’re canoeing in Algonquin, hiking in the Bruce Trail, or coding at a tech camp, good manners and social skills will help them make the most of their time.
At Etiquette Matters, we believe that good manners and social skills are essential for success and happiness. If you’d like more tips on teaching etiquette to children and teens, we’re here to help.
Wishing you a fantastic summer filled with fun, friendship, and learning!
Etiquette Matters Institute of Etiquette
An amazing post! Great tips for parents!