How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Nature Moves Camp

A parent’s guide to preparing for your child’s first Nature Moves camp. Learn what to pack, how to prepare emotionally, and ease separation anxiety.

Sending your child to their first camp can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially if your child is autistic or has unique needs. At Nature Moves, we know how important preparation is, both for children and their families. With a little planning, the experience can become not only smoother but also deeply rewarding.

Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare your child for their first Nature Moves camp.

1. What to Pack for Camp

Packing the right items ensures your child feels comfortable and supported while exploring the outdoors. Here are the essentials:

• Clothing for all weather: breathable shirts, long pants for bush play, a warm jumper, and a rain jacket.

• Comfortable shoes: sneakers for walking and sandals for relaxed activities.

• Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Water bottle: staying hydrated is key during active outdoor play.

• Personal care items: toiletries, insect repellent, and any medications (labelled clearly).

• Comfort items: a small toy, fidget, or blanket to provide familiarity.

• Backpack: lightweight and easy to carry, so your child can be independent.

Packing together can also help children feel prepared, giving them ownership of their camp experience.

2. Preparing Emotionally

Emotional preparation is just as important as packing bags. Talking about camp in advance helps children feel more secure.

• Talk through what to expect: describe activities like bushwalks, beach time, or group games so your child can imagine them.

• Use visual aids: show photos of the camp environment, staff, or other children enjoying past activities.

• Role-play scenarios: practice things like lining up for lunch, asking a leader for help, or joining in a group activity.

• Create a countdown calendar: marking off days builds excitement while offering predictability.

By introducing camp routines before arrival, you help reduce uncertainty and increase confidence.

3. Easing Separation Anxiety

It’s natural for both parents and children to feel a little anxious about being apart. These strategies can help:

• Start small: arrange short separations (like a playdate or activity without you) before camp to build confidence.

• Stay positive: talk about camp as an exciting adventure rather than focusing on worries.

• Pack a comfort item: something small from home can provide reassurance when your child needs it most.

• Reassure them: let your child know you’ll be thinking of them and that camp leaders are there to support them.

• Trust the process: remember, camp helps children develop independence and resilience, valuable life skills.

At Nature Moves, our experienced team is trained to support children through separation gently, helping them feel safe and included from the moment they arrive.

4. Building Excitement Together

The lead-up to camp should feel fun and encouraging. You can build excitement by:

• Watching nature documentaries or reading books about the outdoors.

• Visiting a local park or beach to explore similar activities.

• Talking about the new friends your child may meet.

• Sharing stories of your own positive experiences in nature.

Framing camp as an adventure filled with discovery helps children arrive curious and ready to explore.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your child for their first Nature Moves camp is about more than packing a bag, it’s about building confidence, easing anxieties, and setting the stage for growth. With the right support, your child can thrive in the great outdoors, making memories, building friendships, and discovering their own strengths.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our upcoming camp dates and see how your child can benefit from the power of nature.