Written by Taya Yelton and Alla Zaydman, Regional Director Oasis Day Camps
Quick answer:
Most pre-school children and incoming kindergarteners are more ready for day camp than parents expect. Readiness isn’t about having every skill mastered — it’s about a child being able to separate from a caregiver for a few hours, interact with peers, and ask for help when needed. Camp itself is where kids practice the rest.
If your child is heading into kindergarten or pre-school this fall, you may be wondering if they’re ready for a full day of summer camp or is half-day better?. Will they be comfortable in a new environment? Will they make friends? Can they handle being away from home for the day? What is the programming?
These are completely normal questions, especially if this will be your child’s first experience with day camp. The good news: summer camp can be a wonderful way for young children to build confidence and independence before they head off to kindergarten.
At Oasis, our Early Start Imagination Camp (ESIC) is designed specifically for our youngest campers. ESIC welcomes children ages 3–5 who have not yet completed kindergarten, with a camp experience built around their developmental needs.
How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Day Camp?
There’s no single checklist that guarantees readiness — every child develops at their own pace. But these five everyday skills are good signs your child is ready to try camp:
- Separating from you. Can they be away from a parent or caregiver for a few hours without significant distress?
- Interacting with other children. Are they comfortable playing alongside or with peers, even if they don’t know them yet?
- Communicating needs. Can they tell an adult when they need help, feel unwell, or need the bathroom?
- Basic independence. Are they managing things like using the bathroom, eating, and keeping track of their belongings, even imperfectly?
- Following simple routines. Can they transition from one activity to another with some guidance?
Your child doesn’t need to have all of these fully mastered before their first day. Practicing these skills in a supportive environment is part of what camp is for. At Oasis, we foster an environment where children feel comfortable and emotionally safe, giving them plenty of opportunity for co-play, sports, arts, swim and individual development.
It’s also completely normal for a child to feel a little nervous about their first day. Excitement and nerves can coexist — a positive conversation ahead of time about what camp will be like can make the day feel more familiar.
What Makes ESIC Different From a Typical Day Camp?
Our Early Start Imagination Camp is specialized for pre-school to entering Kindergarten children where every age has it’s own group and is built to feel like a true camp experience while giving younger campers the extra support and structure they need. Small groups, a 3:1 camper-to-staff ratio, and counselors experienced specifically with children ages 3–5 mean campers get individual attention while getting comfortable with their group, counselors, and daily routine.
The goal isn’t to make camp feel like another classroom. ESIC gives young campers room to play, explore, move, create, and make new friends in an environment designed just for them.
What Do Campers Do at ESIC?
ESIC combines the fun of a full camp experience with age-appropriate activities:
- Swimming, with instruction grouped by individual skill level
- Sports and games sized for younger bodies
- Arts and crafts
- Outdoor play
- Special events throughout the session
Just as importantly, a day at ESIC gives kids practice with the exact skills they’ll lean on in kindergarten: following a routine, transitioning between activities, listening to an adult who isn’t a parent, making friends, and doing a little more on their own each day.
Common Questions About ESIC
What ages does ESIC accept?
ESIC is for children ages 3–5 who have not yet completed kindergarten.
What’s the camper-to-staff ratio?
1 staff member for every 3 campers, with counselors trained specifically in early childhood care.
What if my child cries at drop-off?
We take it at your child’s and your comfort level and pace. For young campers, we know drop-off can bring big feelings. Our staff offer calm reassurance, a warm welcome, and quickly engage children with a counselor, friend, or favorite activity. We encourage brief, positive goodbyes and work closely with families if a child needs additional support adjusting.
Is swim instruction included?
Yes — campers receive swim instruction tailored to their individual skill level as part of the ESIC day.
When does ESIC run, and where?
ESIC program is available at all our locations, explore one near you.
What is included in camp tuition?
Your camp fees include swimming lessons, daily snacks and hot lunch, backpack and 5 t-shirts and extended day (optional) 8:00-8:30am and 5:30-6:00pm. We also offer a short day option.
How do I register?
Register here.
Is Your Incoming Kindergartener Ready for Day Camp?
They might be more ready than you think. Sometimes all a child needs is the opportunity to try something new, meet a few new friends, and discover just how much they can do on their own.
Ready to give your little camper a summer to remember? Explore Oasis Early Start Imagination Camp and find an ESIC location near you.