Family Handbook
The best way to prepare for camp is to read through our Family Handbook with lots of essential information about the camp day at ECDC. You can download the ECDC Family Handbook here.
What can I do to prepare my child for camp?
We strive to partner with parents as they prepare their children for the summer camp experience. You may consider the following learning opportunities with your child:
- Discuss with your child what he/she is most looking forward to or concerned about.
- Role-play with your child what he/she will say to a new friend.
- Review with your child the concerns he/she should bring up with the counselor.
- Encourage your child to try new activities, reassuring them that it’s a good thing even if it takes a few tries to be successful. Sometimes we do things just for fun and not only to win.
- Let your child help pack a backpack for camp each day so he/she is familiar with what they are bringing with them.
- Teach your child how to apply sunscreen well and practice tying their shoes.
- Be prepared to listen well to songs and stories from camp when you pick your child up at the end of the day. Talking with them about what they learned helps reinforce the learning and increase their enthusiasm to return to camp the following day.
What should my camper bring to summer day camp?
Campers should wear and bring to camp each day:
- Clothing – comfortable play clothes that can get wet and dirty. Campers should wear or pack a bathing suit daily. On beach days, please have your child wear their ECDC rash guard.
- Closed-toe shoes are required daily.
- Sack lunch and a healthy snack
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Beach towel
- Long pants for horseback riding (when assigned)
- Backpack or bag for personal gear
- Please DO NOT send your camper with smart watches that have text or call capabilities. Camp is an important time for campers to be present and tech free! And, we cannot be responsible for any damage to these items. If you have any concerns or need to contact your camper, we are available at the camp number.
How can I reinforce my child’s learning and growth during and after camp?
Here are a few of our suggestions:
- Listen well to your child’s stories from camp – even if they repeat them again and again.
- Learn camp songs from your child and sing them together often.
- Jump on our parent Facebook Page each day to view photos with your child.
- Connect with a new friend that your child has made during the session.
- Post your child’s award and Pod Group photo (given on the last day of their session) where he/she can see it daily.
- Point out and affirm new skills or character qualities that your child developed at camp. Some examples might be more patiently wait for a turn, more confident friend making or sharing more quickly.
- Decide on a fun camp-inspired habit or ritual to incorporate at home.
Shea Center Form
Many of our campers visit the Shea Riding Center to learn more about horses. In order for your camper to participate, please fill out the form below.
