Giving your kids their independence is not always an easy thing to do. As they slowly become adults, you must grant them more autonomy. While it is important that a relationship of trust is present, letting your teenagers branch out and explore is essential to their development and their grasp of the real world.

Sure, they may get hurt but you can’t protect them from everything. And in the generation of iPhone trackers, a little disconnect might be exactly what you both need. Summer camps provide an excellent opportunity for this. So, if your teen is interested in going off to camp this summer, here are some things to discuss with them to ensure their safety, whilst letting them enjoy some independence.

Health Issues
If your teen has any specific health conditions, it is important that the camp leaders and administrators are notified. Most camps are equipped with first aid services and nurses, but letting the camp’s administration know beforehand is always recommended. For food allergies, it is important that you do your research on what your child will be consuming. Taking these little precautions goes a long way in giving you peace of mind while letting your teen focus on having fun.

Activities
Many sleepaway camps offer a wide range of activities for their campers. They often includes watersports and a series of outdoor games. Some camps even specialize in certain activities that are meant to enhance a child’s skillset in an area such as soccer or swimming camps. When selecting a camp, parents should do their best to familiarize themselves with what activities their teens will be taking part in. This information is often available in a camp’s brochure or website. Researching a camp’s activities eliminates any possible dangers or unwanted surprises for your child.

Dealing with Homesickness
Many teens are not accustomed to being away from home for extended periods of time. A week spent in a new environment with strangers can be pretty overwhelming. So, when it comes to sleepaway camps, make sure your teen is comfortable and ready to be away from home. One common solution to this problem is sending your child to camp along with a close friend or family member of theirs. They may be more likely to adapt to their environment and break out of their shell when there’s a familiar face by their side.

Maintaining Contact
Today, staying connected is easier than ever. Most of us are just a phone call or text away. Obviously, camp is a once in a lifetime opportunity for kids to experience adventure and freedom. With that being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with checking in on them throughout their stay and making sure they’re comfortable. This is especially true with long stays away from home. Daily check-ins can provide your teen with comfort while maintaining their sense of independence.