Developmental Milestones and the Camp Experience: Ages 11-13

What's on Their Minds

• Classify or categorize each other, such as "smart," "sporty," "nerdy," etc.
• Consider dating, particularly in groups
• Become conscious and deliberate in their choice of fashion — try to develop a style
• Want to "fit in"
• Feel misunderstood by adults, especially parents
• Believe achievement (in athletics, academics, arts) becomes increasingly important
• Increase their awareness of popular culture and its clashes with parental values

Building Parent-Child Relationships

• Set boundaries that respect the strengths of adolescents
• Acknowledge and talk honestly about sexual feelings, pressures, and misconceptions. Talk openly about the value of sexual abstinence and other healthy choices
• Balance the peer pressure by continuing to express pride in your adolescent, spending time with your adolescent and his or her friends
• Reserve time for special activities with your adolescent
• Acknowledge and talk honestly about alcohol and other drug use
• Encourage healthy risk-taking, especially in athletic, artistic, and academic domains

Maximize the Camp Experience

• Include your adolescent in all important decisions about camp
• Allow child to assume responsibility for camp preparation (e.g., help to shop for necessities, help to pack, help to complete registration forms)
• Select a camp that builds on your adolescent's individual strengths
• Consider a camp that concentrates on this age group
• Arrange some practice time away from home in the months before camp starts

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