From Pre-K to Summer Camp: Prepare for a Different Routine

A pre-K to summer camp transition can bring different activities, spaces and adults. Familiarize yourself with the actual plan before explaining it to your child. The word camp alone does not tell you the schedule or what families need to provide.

Confirm the practical details

Ask the provider about current ages served, enrollment, dates, hours and required supplies. Check arrival, pickup and communication arrangements. Do not carry over assumptions from the school-year classroom without confirmation.

Children's Land has a summer camp page; contact the relevant team for current information rather than relying on an older description or another family's schedule.

Give the child a concrete preview

• Who will bring them and collect them?
• Where will the first handoff happen?
• Which familiar routine will stay the same?
• What new detail has the program actually confirmed?

Avoid promising a particular friend, outing or activity that may not be available.

Reuse helpful transition habits

Keep a recognizable goodbye and a simple place for supplies. Practice any new bag routine without turning the whole evening into camp rehearsal.

After the first days, ask staff what seems comfortable and where the child needs support. Choose one adjustment rather than changing every routine after one unusual day.

Should I buy supplies before receiving the list?

Wait for current program instructions. Requirements can differ from the school-year classroom and from other camps.

What if my child misses the pre-K teacher?

Acknowledge the relationship and talk about the new plan accurately. A familiar transition cue can help without requiring the child to stop missing someone.

Explore the Children’s Land early kindergarten program for an overview of this stage. To discuss current placement and your child’s needs, find a Chicagoland location and speak with the relevant team.

Related reading: The Importance of Routine in Early Kindergarten.