Make Sure Child Is Mature Enough For Summer Camp

Mon., June 26, 1995

Philadelphia Inquirer

Is your child ready to go to camp?

Parents, who might be rigorous in researching and investigating a camp’s activity list and safety history, may make an assumption that can make summer a misery to be endured.

“Some people think that any child of 9 or 10 is ready for camp,” said Joel Goldstein. “Some think even 8 or 9 is old enough.”

But age shouldn’t be the determining factor, said Goldstein, a psychiatrist at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital. Emotional maturity is the key.

Parents should determine how their child deals with separation. “If you have a kid who never liked being left with sitters, who is fretful about going to school and doesn’t do sleepovers at friends’ houses, he’s probably not a good candidate at this time for away-camp,” said Goldstein.

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