It’s the question every parent wrestles with in January: “Is this the year?”
The brochures are arriving, the dates are set, and your friends are starting to talk about summer plans. You can picture your child having the time of their life at Camp Lakota, swimming in Masten Lake, cheering in the mess hall, and making lifelong friends. But then the doubt creeps in. Are they old enough? Will they be okay away from home?
The truth is, there is no “perfect” age for sleepaway camp. Some children are ready at six; others need until twelve. However, as camp directors with decades of experience, we know that “readiness” usually shows up in a few clear ways.
Here are 5 signs your child is ready for their first summer at Camp Lakota.
1. They Ask About Camp (Or Express Curiosity)
This is the biggest green light. If your child sees a movie about camp, hears an older sibling talk about it, or asks, “What do you do at camp?” they are mentally trying on the idea. Even if they seem nervous, that curiosity is the seed of readiness.
Pro Tip: Watch our Camp Video together. If they get excited about the activities rather than focusing on “where will I sleep,” that’s a great sign.
2. They Can Handle Basic Self-Care
Counselors are there to help with everything, but a camper feels most confident when they can manage the basics.
- Can they brush their teeth and hair without a reminder?
- Can they pick out their clothes for the day?
- Can they shower independently?
If they can handle the bedtime routine at home, they can handle it in a bunk.
3. They Have Successful Sleepovers
Has your child spent the night at a grandparent’s house or a friend’s place? How did it go?
The Litmus Test: If they could make it through the night without a “come get me” phone call (even if they were a little homesick), they have the resilience needed for camp. Camp is essentially a giant, non-stop sleepover with their best friends.
4. They Adapt Well to New Situations
Think about the first day of school or joining a new soccer team. Does your child tend to jump in, or do they struggle significantly with transitions?
Camp is full of new experiences. A child who is “camp ready” might be nervous at first but generally warms up once they start an activity. At Lakota, our Rookie Day is specifically designed to help with this transition, letting kids dip their toes in before diving in.
5. You (The Parent) Are Ready
Surprise! Sometimes the child is ready, but the parent isn’t. Children are incredibly perceptive. If you are anxious, hovering, or talking about how much you will miss them, they will internalize that fear.
If you can talk about camp with excitement and confidence (“You are going to have so much fun!” vs. “I hope you’ll be okay”), you are giving them the permission they need to be independent.
Still Not Sure? Try Rookie Day!
If you checked most of these boxes but still feel hesitant, Rookie Day is the perfect solution. It’s a one-day experience where future campers can meet counselors, try activities, and feel the vibe of Camp Lakota without the commitment of an overnight stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for sleepaway camp?
Most children start sleepaway camp between ages 8 and 10 (grades 2-5). However, at Camp Lakota, we have successful first-timers as young as 6 and as old as 13!
What if my child gets homesick?
Homesickness is normal! In fact, working through homesickness is one of the ways camp builds confidence. Our counselors are trained to handle it with empathy and distraction, getting kids back into the fun quickly. Learn more about what to expect at camp.
Ready to start the conversation?
Schedule a Tour“>Schedule a Tour or Enroll for Summer 2026“>Enroll for Summer 2026 today. Spots are filling up fast!