5 Creative Ways to Ask About Your Child's Camp Experience

Picture this: You’re in the car, or maybe at the dinner table, and you’ve been eagerly waiting to hear about your kid’s day at Sidwell Summer. You’ve been imagining their adventures all day long, right? So you ask the age-old question: “How was your day at camp?” 

Only to be met with a riveting “Fine” or, if you’re really lucky, an elaborate “Good!” 

*Cue the parental sigh*

Don’t worry – all of us parents have been there, it’s not just you! It’s like our kids forget all the fun they had and all they did as they get home. 

But here’s the thing: Children can benefit from a little more prompting to open up about their experiences. 

Below we’ve put together this list of five creative questions that will turn those "fines" and "goods" into full-blown, animated recaps of their camp adventures. Try one (or more!) to see if it sparks a more lively conversations and help you bond over their experience: 

1. "If your day at Sidwell Summer was a movie, what would be the most exciting scene?"

This question taps into your child's imagination and encourages them to think creatively about their day. It allows them to focus on the highlight reel of their experiences, giving you a peek into what they found most thrilling or memorable.

Maybe they'll describe an intense moment during a soccer match, a breakthrough in their coding project, or a funny incident during lunch with new friends. By framing the question in terms of a movie scene, you're inviting your child to paint a vivid picture of their day, complete with all the exciting details.

2. "What's the coolest new thing you learned or tried today?"

At Sidwell Summer, we're all about expanding horizons and trying new things. This question encourages your child to reflect on the new experiences they've had and the skills they're developing.

Your child might share about learning a new lacrosse technique, discovering a fascinating fact in a science experiment, or mastering a tricky new sewing stitch. This question not only highlights the educational aspect of camp but also celebrates your child's growth and willingness to embrace new challenges.

3. "If you could give an award to someone at camp today, who would it be and why?"

This question helps you understand the social dynamics at camp and gives insight into the relationships your child is building. It also promotes empathy and appreciation for others.

Your child might mention a counselor who was particularly helpful, a new friend who showed kindness, or even themselves for overcoming a challenge. This question can lead to discussions about teamwork, friendship, and personal achievements.

4. "What made you laugh the hardest today?"

Laughter and fun are at the heart of the Sidwell Summer experience. This question invites your child to share the joy and humor they experienced during their day.

The answer could range from a silly joke a friend told, to a funny moment during an activity, or even a humorous mishap. This question not only brings a smile to both your faces but also gives you a glimpse into the light-hearted and accepting atmosphere we foster here at camp.

5. "If you could bring one thing or person from camp home with you, what or who would it be?"

This creative question allows your child to express what they value most about their camp experience. It can reveal their newfound interests, the connections they're making, or the aspects of camp they wish could be part of their everyday life.

Your child might say they want to bring home a new friend, a favorite counselor, or even a piece of equipment from an activity they loved. This can lead to meaningful conversations about what they're passionate about and what they're looking forward to in the coming days at camp and beyond.

Remember, the key to getting your child to open up is creating a relaxed, judgment-free zone. Here are a few tips to make these conversations even more effective:

• Timing is everything: Wait until your child has had a chance to unwind after camp. Maybe start the conversation during a snack or while preparing dinner together.
  
  
• Listen actively: Show genuine interest in their responses. Ask follow-up questions and share in their excitement or concerns.
  
  
• Share your own experiences: If appropriate, share similar experiences from your own childhood or workday. This can help your child feel more comfortable opening up.
  
  
• Be patient: Some days, your child might be more talkative than others. That's okay! The goal is to create an open line of communication, not to interrogate.
  
  
• Celebrate the small stuff: Acknowledge and celebrate the little victories and new experiences. This encourages your child to continue sharing and builds their confidence.

At Sidwell Summer, we believe in the magic of childhood and the power of diverse experiences to shape young minds. By engaging in these conversations, you're not just learning about your child's day - you're reinforcing the lessons of creativity, acceptance, and personal growth that we try to foster at camp.

We're thrilled to be a part of your child's summer, and we hope these questions help you feel more connected to their experiences. Thank you for trusting us with your child's summer adventures - together, we're creating memories and lessons that will last a lifetime!