Sleepaway camp is a huge step for a kid. And preparing for it with your child is enormous, as well. It’s exciting, emotional, and full of possibility all at once. This summer, that moment is very real for our family as my son prepares for his first experience at Camp Waziyatah.
As a parent, I want to feel confident in where my children go. From the very beginning, what stood out to me about Camp Waziyatah was the sense of care, structure, and intention behind everything they do. It’s not just about filling a summer. It’s about building confidence and independence. Its about memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Buying Camp Supplies
Preparing for camp has become an experience in itself, not just a checklist. We started by heading to a few stores together to pick out what he would need. Nothing over the top, just the essentials, plus a few things that felt special and his. A new sweatshirt, gear for activities he’s excited to try, and a couple of “camp-only” items that made the experience feel real. Giving him ownership in that process changed everything. It shifted camp from something happening to him into something he was stepping into. And it made it really exciting, and special.
We also made a trip to REI together to pick out a few camp-recommended items, including his own sleeping bag, water bottle, and flashlight. Somehow, those little purchases made everything suddenly feel so soon, in the best way. He carefully picked out what he liked, tested things out, and immediately started imagining camp life. Those moments have honestly become some of my favorite parts of the preparation process.
At home, we’ve woven camp into our everyday moments. Discussing the options. Referencing the excitement often. We’ve been learning campfire songs together in the car, laughing through the ones we don’t quite know yet and repeating the ones that stick. Those small moments are building familiarity, making something new feel known.
Meeting with the Camp Director
One thing I thought was incredible is that I had the opportunity to connect directly with the camp through a Zoom call with the director. Sitting down together, asking questions, and hearing how thoughtfully Camp Waziyatah approaches the camper experience brought a level of trust that matters as a parent. The director took time to really engage with my son, not just me as a parent, and that stood out to me immediately.
They talked about everything my son is excited about, from Spiderman to swimming across the lake, the giant bouncy “blob,” archery, sailing, crafts, trips, and all of the different activities camp offers. You could literally see his excitement growing throughout the conversation as camp started to feel less like an idea and more like a place where he could already picture himself. As a parent, I also appreciated how patient and thorough the director was with every question I had. Nothing felt rushed, and each question was answered completely, which gave me a huge sense of comfort heading into this first, monumental camp experience.
Care Package from Camp Waziyatah
Another thing that made the experience feel thoughtful from the start was the fun little welcome package that arrived. It included a small home s’mores kit, Camp Waziyatah pens, a luggage tag, and a welcome letter that my son put on his nightstand in his room. It was such a simple gesture, but it made my son feel included and connected before even stepping foot at camp.
Packing Reminders of Home
Of course, there are still the quieter parts of preparation too.
I plan to make sure he has a few meaningful items packed. A favorite, cozy hoodie. The tie-dyed shirt that marked the moment I told him he was going. A small photo book with pictures of our family and our dog. I will write in his journal before he leaves so he has something steady and familiar to come back to. These things don’t take up much space, but they carry a lot of familiarity.
We talk about what camp life might feel like. The rhythm of a full day, the excitement of trying new activities, the friendships that form quickly in shared experiences. He’s already begun picking out the activities he thinks he’ll love, and we’ve gone through the process of choosing, and re-choosing as his ideas evolve. That back-and-forth is part of it. It’s how he starts to see this experience as his own.
An Opportunity for Personal Growth
Camp creates space for independence in a way everyday life often doesn’t. The small decisions, what to try, who to sit with, how to navigate a new environment, are where confidence begins to build. And at Camp Waziyatah, that growth happens within a supportive, structured environment where kids are guided, encouraged, and known.
We’ve also talked about the full range of emotions that come with something new. The excitement, the anticipation, and the nerves that naturally come with stepping into an unfamiliar space. I remind him that growth often comes with those feelings, and that he is ready for this.
Beyond the packing and preparation, what stands out most is what camp represents.
Gaining Independence
It’s a chance for him to step into his own independence. To build friendships that are entirely his. To try new things without hesitation. To grow in confidence, resilience, and self-awareness in a setting designed for exactly that kind of development.
Camp Waziyatah creates an environment where kids can unplug, connect, and fully engage in the world around them. In a time where screens and schedules often take over, there’s something incredibly powerful about a place that prioritizes real experiences, real friendships, and real growth.
This first summer feels like a beginning for him, and I know that when he comes home, it won’t just be with stories and memories, but with a stronger sense of who he is and what he’s capable of.
