Is Your Child Ready For Sleepaway Camp?

Sleepaway camp is more than a summer tradition—it's a chance for kids to explore, grow, and create unforgettable memories. At Camp Casco, our sleepaway camps provide children impacted by cancer with a safe, joyful environment, where they can step away from the challenges of treatment or feeling different.

Over the past decade, we've witnessed the incredible transformations that happen during camp—boosts in confidence, new friendships, and the freedom to simply be a kid. If you’re wondering whether your child is ready for this life-changing experience, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll guide you through key signs of readiness and share how Camp Casco supports both parents and campers every step of the way.

Understanding What It Means To “Be Ready” For Sleepaway Camp

Being ready to go to sleepaway camp is different for every child. As a parent, it’s natural to wonder if your child is ready for such an adventure, especially after what they’ve been through. Here are some signs to help guide your decision about sleepaway camp:

Your Child Can Complete Daily Routines and Basic Tasks

Camp is all about fostering independence, and being able to manage basic daily tasks is an important part of readiness. While our caring counselors are always available to guide and support, campers should be fully potty-trained and comfortable handling essential tasks like brushing their teeth, dressing themselves, and maintaining personal hygiene with gentle reminders. In fact, the American Camp Association (ACA) says a key indicator that your child is ready for camp is if they can shower on their own. The camp experience offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to build confidence and self-reliance, but it’s also important that they come prepared with foundational skills to thrive in this environment.

Your Child Has Had Successful Sleepovers 

A positive sleepover experience is a key indicator of whether your child is ready to spend a week away from home. If they haven’t had a sleepover, try it out with a trusted friend or family member. After the sleepover, debrief about the experience with your child and the caregiver: did they have fun? Was it hard to fall asleep? Did they get homesick? Was there any concerning behavior? A few successful overnights are a good sign that your child is ready for a week away. If your child struggles with sleepovers, consider programs like our Day Camp to help build confidence before transitioning to a week away.

Your Child Shows Interest In Sleepaway Camp And Asks To Go

If your child is talking positively about going to sleepaway camp, is excited about the prospect of going, and is asking to go, that’s a pretty clear indication that they are ready for a new adventure. Even though your child is asking to go, it is still important to talk to them about what it means to go to sleepaway camp and see their reaction when asked about leaving home for the week. 

If your child has expressed interest in attending Oncology Camp but isn’t quite ready for overnights, our Oncology Camp Sleep at Home program might bea good fit for your family. We understand that flexibility is vital to meet the unique needs of each child, and we are excited to offer this new camp experience for pediatric cancer patients and survivors. You can learn more about Oncology Camp and our new Sleep at Home program here.  

Your Child Can Adapt To New Situations 

Adjusting to a new environment is a big part of the camp experience. If your child navigates changes like meeting new classmates, attending a different school, or trying new activities easily, they’re likely ready to thrive at camp. At Camp Casco, our supportive environment and welcoming staff ensure that campers feel comfortable, making it easier to build friendships, try new things, and fully enjoy their time with us.



Homesickness And Separation Anxiety (Yours and Theirs)

It’s natural for parents and campers to feel a little nervous about being apart, and homesickness is a normal part of the sleepaway camp experience. At Camp Casco, our compassionate counselors are trained to support campers who might be struggling, helping them adjust and thrive in their new environment.

You can start preparing your child at home by hosting practice sleepovers, talking about the exciting activities they’ll get to try at camp, and involving them in packing their camp bag. These small steps help build confidence and ease the transition.

We offer a balance of communication and support to keep parents informed while giving campers the space to grow. Our Program Director holds daily office hours for non-urgent calls or texts, and parents receive daily updates and photos of camp adventures. If any concerns arise, someone from the Camp Casco team will notify you immediately. Rest assured, we’re here to support your entire family every step of the way.

Health and Special Needs at Camp

At Camp Casco, your child’s health and safety are always our top priorities. In addition to our fantastic camp counselors and leadership team, each Camp Casco session has a dedicated team of medical professionals onsite 24/7 in our medical space, affectionately known as our Med Shed. Our dedicated Med Shed team  meets every camper’s needs—whether it’s daily medications, a comforting band-aid, or simply a quiet moment to rest. We review each camper’s medical forms before arrival to understand their unique needs and ensure they receive personalized care throughout the week.

We believe in keeping parents informed and involved in their child’s well-being. You’ll be promptly notified if any concerns about your child’s health arise during camp. Our goal is to provide peace of mind while your child enjoys a safe and unforgettable camp experience.

Deciding if your child is ready for sleepaway camp is a personal journey, and we’re here to support you throughout the process.

Whichever camp program you choose, Camp Casco offers a safe, supportive, and unforgettable environment where kids impacted by cancer can create lifelong memories, build confidence, and form lasting friendships with peers who truly understand.

If you’re still unsure or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team—we’d love to help you find the perfect fit for your family. You can send us a message through email or schedule a time to speak with our Program Director over Zoom. If your child has questions they’d like to ask about camp, we’d love to meet them during a call!  

Camp Casco isn’t just a place to spend a week; it’s a community that understands, celebrates, and supports your family every step of the way.