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Five tips to ward off homesickness

06.18.2014 - Camps & Outdoor Education
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For many campers, being at camp may be the first time they’ve been away from home. This can be a challenging, emotional experience, but keep these tips from the American Camp Association in mind to help your child make an easy transition into camp and avoid homesickness.

  • Include your child in the process of choosing a camp. The more your child owns the decision, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp.
  • Before camp, talk with your camper honestly about the fun the child is going to have, as well as the challenges.
  • Encourage your child’s independence throughout the year. Practicing separations, such as sleep-overs at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment.
  • Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.
  • Send a note or care package. Avoid filing in your camper on what the child has missed at home. Acknowledge that you miss the child, but in a positive way such as “I miss you, but I know you are having a good time at camp.”

See more tips on helping your camper have the best experience.