Etiquette Tips from Polished Peyton
Know Before You Go - Summer Camp Edition
I dropped my oldest daughter at camp last week. One of the things I love about her camp is that I drive up, they grab her trunk, I answer a few questions, hug my daughter and I'm off. It was not always like this but, COVID started many new things. This is one of the new things I actually like. Knowing I was not going to be able to go into camp last summer, I talked with Eloise about a few things I wanted her to remember. I thought these same things might be helpful for you as you send your child or grandchild to day camp or sleep away camp, to grandma's house or around the corner to swim. I call this the “Know Before You Go” list. It's a great list for young people and good reminders for everyone. While we are never going to remember to tell children everything, these would be my top twenty:
Introduce yourself to new friends and try to introduce others. Example, “Hi Jenny! It's great to see you. This is my friend Susie. She takes tennis lessons with me.”
Be a great sport. This can be hard and will take genuine practice at a young age.
Say “please” and “thank you,” and “yes, sir” and “yes, ma’am.”
Pick up after yourself and never expect someone to do it for you.
Don't take the last piece of anything.
Keep your area neat and clean.
Summer Camp
Don't look at your cell phone while walking down the street, the beach, the sidewalk. Stop and read or text.
Don't show off. Don't cheer on people that do.
Don't allow others to be bullied. Speak up for them.
Chew with your mouth closed.
Use a napkin.
Let everyone get to the table before you begin eating. Say a blessing.
Brag about others and not about yourself.
Look people in the eye when speaking. Acknowledge others.
Know how to write a letter and write one daily at summer camp
Know when to put on a cover-up. Don't wear a wet swimsuit anywhere except the pool or beach area.
Keep volume low when playing music or a game while others are around. Remember that other people are outdoors for calm and quiet.
Offer to help. Always offer to help if you see someone who needs assistance.
Wait for others. Be patient and wait.
If given a gift, smile and say thank you. Hug the people with whom you are close.
Jennifer Daniel is a graduate of The Protocol School of Washington and she may be reached atJennifer@polishedpeyton.com or visit her website at polishedpeyton.com
