During the winter holidays or summer holiday, many parents wonder whether to send their child to a summer camp without their supervision. No matter how old the child is, the question for parents is whether to do it this year or wait a little longer. The answer is usually not easy, especially if the child has not yet had such an experience.

It is a question of the child'sown decision as to whether he or she wants or can imagine to be away from the parents for a certain period of time, as well as the child's ability to take care of himself or herself - whether he or she can dress, comb his or her hair or wash his or her hair (of course, I am thinking here of trips for children without, for example, motor deficits and therefore without additional carers).

Preparation for such a trip should start much earlier - especially if the child has not had the opportunity to find out what it is like on a trip without parents. A good predictor here is usually the stay at a green school - if the child enjoyed it and did not miss it too much, there is a good chance that he or she will find their way around their peers at a summer or summer camp. It would be advisable that about six months before departure the child should have the opportunity to see how he or she sleeps away from home (e.g. with a grandmother, auntie and then a friend).

If our child has a passion - e.g. loves horses, plays tennis or simply enjoys sports - it is worth sending him or her to a camp where he or she can participate in such activities. By being involved in activities they enjoy, they won't feel as homesick. If it is difficult to find out what your child enjoys most, it is a good idea to find an activity-packed trip for him or her (excursions, swimming pool, etc.) - the person organising the camp or summer camp should provide us with the programme of the stay.

Tostart with, it is a good idea for the child to go on a shorter trip (e.g. 10 days) - I know from children's accounts that three weeks is usually a bit too long (especially at the beginning). The location of the camp or colony is also important. Firstly because of its attractiveness and the possibilities for spending time, but also because of the possible arrival of the parents.

Each camp or summer camp has its own rules for visits (some camps allow parents to come to the child on Sundays, others do not) - it is a good idea to find out about this beforehand, so that it does not come as an unpleasant surprise for the child.

Many children would be happy to go to a camp or summer camp together with their favourite friend, which would give them a greater sense of security. If this is possible, it is worth thinking about. Having an older sibling or cousin stay with you is also often a great help.