It is perfectly normal for campers to miss home. We are very sensitive to this and work carefully to help campers handle this experience. If you miss your child, please drop them a letter or email saying you are thinking of them. These “thinking of you” thoughts are always welcome and reaffirm the relationship that you are missing. You may also want to mention how proud you are of your campers for being brave enough to be from their family.
We have a number of tried-and-true strategies to help our campers when they feel like they want to go home. For the majority of campers, these feelings resolve as they become more involved in the camp program. Camp staff will reach out to parents/guardians if we feel we need your advice and support.
It is important to remember that homesickness is not an illness. It is a natural response to the discomfort of being in unfamiliar surroundings. For many campers who are growing into understanding themselves and how they depend on those around them, this discomfort is a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
When feelings of wanting to go home persist into the second week of camp, are experienced as particularly oppressive, or begin to affect a camper’s behavior, we start to consider more significant interventions. We will reach out to you for advice and support if wanting to go home becomes a major feature of your camper’s experience.
Parents who might be feeling a little “campersick” are welcome to contact us for updates on how their campers are doing. Writing letters can help alleviate the stress of separation on both sides.
