Parent Do's and Don'ts for Camp Week

​Do – Spend this week talking to other families about how you can change your home this week.
We are not talking about paint, think about ways that your home can nurture what God has done in your students life this week of camp. No matter how you feel sometimes, parents are still the number one influence on a teenager’s faith formation. Now that is empowering!

Don’t – Expect your kids to come back with their behavior modified.
When you think of behavior modification think of artificial flavors (because it isn’t the real deal). Don’t throw water on the Holy Spirits fire that is refining your teenagers heart by saying camp was a waste because “they haven’t changed at all”.

Do – Initiate openness after camp with your camper.
This week our cabin counselors will have spent a week with your teenager creating memories and having significant conversation. Now that your teen has returned you have a whole year to do the same. Conversation and openness can be challenging. Read this great article by stickyfaith.org for an action plan of how to communicate better with your teenager. 

Don’t – Try to have an intense conversation on the way home from camp.
Your teenager is exhausted! Give them space and time to catch up on sleep and decompress from camp. Be certain to follow up with conversation about camp. When your teen is sharing instead of thinking about the next thing you can say, think about the next question you can ask.

Do – Commit yourself to prayer during camp.
Follow the camp for brief daily updates of what is happening and how to pray for the teenagers at camp.