Sending your child to sleepaway camp is a big milestone—for kids and parents. You may be wondering if this is the summer your child is truly ready to thrive away from home, build independence, and create lifelong friendships.

At Camp Blue Ridge, we’ve spent over 55 years helping children ages 6–16 grow in confidence, independence, and joy. While every child is unique, there are some clear signs that indicate when a child may be ready for a successful sleepaway camp experience.

Here are 12 signs your child might be ready for sleepaway camp.

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1. Your Child Is Curious (Even If They’re Nervous)

It’s completely normal for kids to feel nervous about being away from home. Readiness isn’t about no fear—it’s about curiosity outweighing fear. If your child asks questions about camp, activities, cabins, or making friends, that curiosity is a great sign.

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2. They Can Handle Basic Self-Care

Children don’t need to be perfectly independent to attend sleepaway camp, but they should be able to:

• Shower and dress themselves
• Brush their teeth
• Manage basic hygiene with reminders

At camp, counselors support and guide campers—but a foundation of self-care helps kids feel confident.

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3. They’ve Spent Nights Away From Home Before

If your child has successfully stayed overnight with grandparents, cousins, or at a friend’s house, that’s a strong indicator they can manage nights away from home. Even short overnight experiences help prepare kids for sleepaway camp.

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4. Your Child Can Follow Simple Rules

Sleepaway camp is fun—but it also comes with structure. Campers need to follow cabin routines, activity schedules, and safety rules. If your child can follow rules at school or in group activities, they’ll likely adjust well at camp.

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5. They’re Ready to Try New Things

One of the biggest benefits of summer camp is trying new activities—whether it’s water sports, arts, climbing, or team games. A child who is open to new experiences (even with encouragement) often thrives in a camp environment.

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6. They Can Manage Big Feelings With Support

Homesickness is normal—especially for first-time campers. Children who can talk about their feelings, accept comfort from trusted adults, and bounce back after emotional moments often do very well at sleepaway camp.

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7. They’re Interested in Making Friends

Camp is all about connection. If your child enjoys group activities, talks about wanting new friends, or is excited by the idea of meeting kids their age, they’re likely ready for the social side of camp.

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8. Your Child Handles Change Reasonably Well

Camp days look different from home days. There are new routines, new foods, and new people. Kids who can adapt to change—even if it takes a little time—often flourish at sleepaway camp.

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9. They Show Age-Appropriate Independence

This might look like:

• Packing their own backpack (with help)
• Making small decisions
• Solving minor problems without immediate help

Sleepaway camp is designed to build independence, not require perfection.

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10. Your Child Is Excited About Being a Little More Grown-Up

Many kids see sleepaway camp as a "big kid" experience. If your child talks about being more responsible or doing things on their own, camp can be an empowering step.

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11. You’re Ready (This Matters Too!)

Children often take emotional cues from their parents. If you feel confident, positive, and trusting about the camp experience, your child is more likely to feel the same.

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12. You’ve Chosen the Right Camp

Readiness isn’t just about the child—it’s about the environment. A supportive, well-staffed, and values-driven camp makes all the difference.

At Camp Blue Ridge, we offer:

• A family-owned camp with 55+ years of experience
• A completely elective program where campers choose their activities
• A safe, nurturing environment focused on friendship and personal growth
• A strong sense of community—the Camp Blue Ridge family

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Trust the Process

There is no “perfect” age or personality for sleepaway camp. With the right support and the right camp, many children surprise themselves—and their parents—with just how capable they are.

If you’re wondering whether this is the summer for your child, we’d love to help you decide.

👉 Learn more about Camp Blue Ridge or sign up for our First-Time Camper Newsletter at www.blueridgecamp.com