Giving Shy, Anxious, or “New” Campers a Great Camp Experience at Future Stars

Attending camp at Future Stars is an exciting and memorable experience for kids of all ages. Yet, at first, it’s normal that some campers may feel a bit shy around others, anxious about what to expect, or just new in general to being at camp.

To support kids who have these feelings, the entire Future Stars staff is committed to making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. 

With parental communication and a team approach, rest assured, your child will overcome feeling shy, anxious, or new — and enjoy their time building skills while making friends. 

Identifying Kids Who May Feel Shy, Anxious, or New

In addition to participating in staff orientation, counselors and all other Future Stars personnel are experienced in working with kids. Many of them are professional teachers or coaches during the school year. 

All camps are led by adults who have full-time experience working with kids . This means program leaders know what to look out for when kids are feeling uncertain.

They get to know each individual camper, observing and learning who needs support, and then making sure those needs are met each day.

The more you tell us about your child, the better we can help them have fun from the moment they arrive at camp!

Being There for Your Camper

Camp is an important opportunity for kids of all ages to meet new people and learn from others. It’s also a space for each camper to discover more about themselves.

Sometimes in a camp environment, kids may have worries about not knowing anyone or not fitting in — especially if they notice others who have siblings or friends with them from the beginning.

Here are just a few of the Future Stars staff’s educated approaches for kids who feel nervous or hesitant at first:

• Introduce kids to each other and start conversations
• Match kids with common interests
• Have activities ready right away so kids are involved and engaged
• Allow seasoned campers to mentor kids who are new, younger, or shy
• Ask kids who appear nervous to help with tasks or setting up so they can grow comfortable
• Assign an “assistant coach” to buddy up and help kids acclimate

Ultimately, Future Stars takes a team approach to be there for and include all campers. Whether your child is outgoing or more introverted, everyone has a role to play. Knowing they are an important part of a team helps kids build their self-esteem and recognize the value they contribute.

This approach can also help campers overcome anxiety about making mistakes — our coaches know it’s natural to make them!

Staff members teach that mistakes can actually be a good thing, because that’s when we learn the most. And, by getting comfortable with mistakes and taking “risks,” kids are free from any pressure to be perfect, which can limit having fun, trying something new, or enjoying activities they love. 

Establishing Daily Routines to Help Campers Feel Comfortable and Confident 

Kids of all ages tend to thrive when they know what to expect. Daily routines also help shy or anxious campers settle in and feel comfortable right away.

Here are some of the Future Stars daily activities that put kids at ease and encourage participation: 

• Each and every day, your camper will get a personal and enthusiastic greeting when they arrive
• Days usually begin with a fun activity or game to get everyone excited
• Lunch follows fun skill-building activities and allows campers to spend time with friends and camp staff
• Afternoons include recreational water activities for full summer enjoyment, followed by more creative and engaging skill sessions

The daily routine at Future Stars is organized so that all campers are included. Fun is balanced with learning so that kids grow self-confident and eager to make new friends — even if they start out feeling new or shy.

Communicating Your Child’s Needs with the Future Stars Team

As a parent, no one knows your child better than you. That’s why we value and encourage you to share any information that can help your camper have the best experience possible. 

If your child is prone to shyness, anxiety, or uncertainties around making friends at camp, we encourage you to let us know. This allows coaches and program directors to understand any potential triggers or nuances specific to your child. 

Parents can contact your camp location’s office. The more communication, the better!

Give Your Child a Memorable Summer Experience

No matter if your child is an introvert, struggles with making friends, or gets nervous doing new activities, a fun summer awaits at Future Stars Summer Camp! 

Give your child the personalized support they need with a staff of adults who have dedicated their lives to working with kids, balancing fun and learning.

With a program designed to build confidence, improve skills, and create friendships, your child will feel included and engaged.

Your camper deserves the opportunity to come out of their shell and shine!

Enroll today and let your child’s adventure begin!