Learning to be away from home and independent is an important milestone in a child’s life. Being homesick is normal and not an uncommon reaction to new experiences. Our staff participates in extensive training to prepare them to help your child cope with their homesickness and learn to be comfortable away from home. We often find that children experience homesickness at bed time and during meals. Our staff is always on the lookout for children who may be missing home. If you are worried about your child being homesick, we definitely understand. Hopefully the information below can help ease your mind and be useful in the occurrence that your child does experience homesickness while at camp.
Understand That It’s Normal
Homesickness can happen on very different levels but in general is a very common thing. Studies find that over 95% of kids get homesick at camp. Though it may appear that it is an inherently bad thing, experiencing homesickness can actually help kids grow more dramatically than those who do not experience it. Overcoming homesickness can boost self-confidence and resilience to new situations. It can also increase the enjoyment that kids get out of camp after they begin to feel better.
Be Strong
We know how hard it is to have a homesick child away at camp and be on the outside looking in. After all, you are their parent and know more about your child's needs than anyone. However, be strong! You can argue that one of the main functions of any summer camp is to help overcome homesickness. Many parents send their kids to camp for this sole purpose. Try your best to trust the staff and directors at camp. We will communicate with you if your child is exhibiting any symptoms of homesickness and will explain how we are managing it. From there on out, the goal would be to ensure that your child leaves having had the best summer of his or her life.
Understand That It’s Normal
Homesickness can happen on very different levels but in general is a very common thing. Studies find that over 95% of kids get homesick at camp. Though it may appear that it is an inherently bad thing, experiencing homesickness can actually help kids grow more dramatically than those who do not experience it. Overcoming homesickness can boost self-confidence and resilience to new situations. It can also increase the enjoyment that kids get out of camp after they begin to feel better.
Be Strong
We know how hard it is to have a homesick child away at camp and be on the outside looking in. After all, you are their parent and know more about your child's needs than anyone. However, be strong! You can argue that one of the main functions of any summer camp is to help overcome homesickness. Many parents send their kids to camp for this sole purpose. Try your best to trust the staff and directors at camp. We will communicate with you if your child is exhibiting any symptoms of homesickness and will explain how we are managing it. From there on out, the goal would be to ensure that your child leaves having had the best summer of his or her life.
Refrain from Communication
The hardest thing to overcome for any camp is seeing 1 step forward in a homesick child, only to have them take 2 big steps back by speaking to their parents. Communication with a parent may ease homesickness temporarily but the issue will only come back, if not stronger than before. For some cases, the camp staff might suggest that a homesick camper write a letter home, or write a short note to their parents that one of the directors will read to you over the phone.. If you were to receive either of these communications the best thing do is to write back and tell them how proud you are of them of challenging themselves in a new environment. Encourage them to know that what they are feeling is normal and be sure to NEVER promise that you will pick them up if it doesn't get better.
The hardest thing to overcome for any camp is seeing 1 step forward in a homesick child, only to have them take 2 big steps back by speaking to their parents. Communication with a parent may ease homesickness temporarily but the issue will only come back, if not stronger than before. For some cases, the camp staff might suggest that a homesick camper write a letter home, or write a short note to their parents that one of the directors will read to you over the phone.. If you were to receive either of these communications the best thing do is to write back and tell them how proud you are of them of challenging themselves in a new environment. Encourage them to know that what they are feeling is normal and be sure to NEVER promise that you will pick them up if it doesn't get better.