As a parent, it’s natural to worry about whether your child will experience homesickness at camp, especially if it’s their first time being away from home. At Camp Starfish, we understand that dealing with homesickness at camp is common, and we’re dedicated to making sure your child feels supported during their time away from home. Here’s how we recommend helping campers navigate these feelings so they can enjoy their time at camp to the fullest.
1. Understand That Dealing with Homesickness at Camp Is Normal
Homesickness at camp is a completely normal part of the camp experience. Even campers who are excited to attend may feel uneasy about being away from home at first. At Camp Starfish, we ensure that campers understand that homesickness is common and it’s okay to feel this way. Our staff is trained to offer comfort and encouragement, helping children adjust to their new environment. With time, homesickness at camp fades, and campers begin to embrace the adventure.
Before camp, talk to your camper about homesickness. If they ask, “What will happen if I feel homesick,” assure them that the staff at camp will be there to help them and know what to do. Do not promise them that you’ll pick them up or make any other promise that you won’t be able to keep – remember that camp staff are there to work with you and your child to set them up for a great experience that results in them staying the whole time at camp! You can read more about how to handle homesickness from the American Camp Association’s resource on homesickness.
3. Get a Preview of Camp Beforehand
For some kids, homesickness results from a sudden change in routine; when kids don’t know what to expect at camp, it makes being there a lot scarier! This is something that can be avoided by learning about camp with your camper before they leave. Many camps offer open houses, either in-person or virtually. These are great opportunities for campers to get to know people at camp, see the site, and learn about the routines they’ll be following while there – that way, when they get there, it feels a bit more familiar.
If your camp does not offer an open house before the summer, ask about the possibility of setting up a virtual call with a staff member. Sometimes, kids find comfort in being able to ask questions about camp to someone who knows all about it, and this gives them at least one familiar face that they can turn to after saying goodbye on opening day.
3. Plan to Stay Busy and Engaged at Camp
One of the most effective ways of dealing with homesickness at camp is for campers to stay busy and engaged. At Camp Starfish, we offer a variety of fun activities like swimming, arts and crafts, nature hikes, and team-building games. These activities help distract campers from homesickness and keep them connected to the present moment. By staying active and involved in the camp experience, campers are less likely to focus on feelings of homesickness at camp. Learn more about the programs we offer at Camp Starfish here.
Let your child know ahead of time that the best way to combat homesickness is to do the activities they enjoy! During the day, they’ll be too busy swimming and playing sports to think about home. Make a list with them about activities they can do during downtime to avoid missing home like reading, making friendship bracelets, or journaling.
4. Expect Support from Our Caring Staff
At Camp Starfish, our staff are not only well-trained in running activities but also in providing emotional support for campers. They are attentive to the signs of homesickness and can provide reassurance and comfort when needed. Having a supportive adult to talk to is key when dealing with homesickness at camp.
Counselors are there to listen and help your child feel comfortable in their new camp environment. Before camp, talk with your camper about how staff will be able to take good care of them and reinforce the message that they can talk about homesickness with their cabin staff. If campers know ahead of time that someone at camp will be there to help them if homesickness happens, they’ll be more likely to seek support and address those feelings before they impact their camp experience!
5. Stay Connected to Home While Still Embracing Camp
It’s important to strike a balance when dealing with homesickness at camp. While it’s essential for campers to experience a continued sense of connection to the people they miss at home, we do not want them to miss connecting with home so much that they can’t connect with camp. At Camp Starfish, we encourage campers to write postcards to share their adventures with family – incoming mail for campers is also delivered to cabins daily. We find that communicating via “snail mail” is usually the best way to maintain communication with home without disrupting the flow of camp life the way daily phone calls or facetimes might. Plus – there’s just something that feels extra special about receiving handwritten letters from home!
Looking for tips on how to write a great letter to your camper? Pali Adventures has a great guide!
Of course, some campers will require a bit more reassurance from home, and if your camper needs the occasional phone call to keep them going throughout their session, then that is something you should speak with camp staff about. Each camper has unique needs, and great camps make sure they individualize every child’s experience!
6. Make New Friends to Ease Homesickness at Camp
One of the best ways to combat homesickness at camp is by making new friends. At Camp Starfish, campers are encouraged to form bonds through group activities and structured social skills support. Friendships help children feel connected to their new environment and less focused on being away from home. The friendships made at camp can be an essential part of the overall experience and can help ease homesickness at camp!
The American Camp Association highlights how making friends is one of the most important aspects of summer camp and an effective way to help children adjust to camp life and overcome homesickness. If you’re able to attend an open-house event before your camp session begins, try to meet campers who will attend the same session as your child and begin friendships ahead of time!
7. Patience: A Critical Element in Dealing with Homesickness at Camp
Dealing with homesickness at camp often requires patience, both for parents and children. It’s essential to remind your child that homesickness is a temporary feeling and will likely fade as they settle into camp life. At Camp Starfish, we give campers the time they need to adjust, and we reassure them that it’s okay to miss home. As they begin to engage more with the camp experience, their feelings of homesickness typically fade away.
Dealing with homesickness at camp is a common experience, but with the right support from our staff, activities to keep them busy, and the opportunity to make new friends, your child will soon find themselves enjoying everything camp has to offer. We are here to ensure your child has a memorable and positive camp experience, helping them grow while making cherished memories along the way.
Ready to give your child the best summer ever? Learn more about Camp Starfish and apply today!
