Homesickness isn’t just something campers experience—it’s completely normal for staff at summer camp to feel it, too! Whether it’s your first time away from home or you’ve spent multiple summers at camp before, adjusting to life at a summer camp can take time.
The good news? Homesickness is manageable, and with the right mindset and strategies, you’ll soon feel at home in your camp community.
If you’re feeling a little out of your comfort zone while being a summer camp counselor, you’re not alone. Many staff members go through similar experiences, and camp leadership can offer many ways to support you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re wondering how to handle homesickness, stay present, and make the most of your summer.
1. Acknowledge That Homesickness Is Normal
The first and most important step is to recognize that homesickness is a natural reaction to being in a new environment. Even experienced counselors who return summer after summer can feel homesick from time to time.
Instead of trying to ignore feelings of homesickness, acknowledge your feelings and remind yourself that two things can be true at once:
- You can miss home, AND
- You can have fun and make an impact while working at summer camp.
BetterUp has a great article on understanding homesickness with strategies that can be applied in a variety of settings.
2. Stay Busy and Engaged
One of the best ways to work through homesickness is to immerse yourself in camp life by finding activities you love and striving to take part in them every day.
The daily routine while being a camp counselor at Camp Starfish is consistent and routine – it is also packed with activities, giving you plenty of opportunities to develop your camp personality. Whether you’re leading an art project, playing games with campers, or singing songs around the campfire, keeping busy helps shift your focus from missing home to enjoying the present moment.
Oftentimes, counselors (and campers) report that they feel most homesick during downtime at camp. To prepare for this, come to camp with a list of three activities you enjoy that can help you remain present and focused while at camp. Some staff enjoy going for a job during downtime. Others make it a priority to reach out to a different member of their family each day. And others simply enjoy reading a good book and relaxing in a hammock in the trees. Find an activity that helps refuel you during the long camp days and know that you can “stay busy” during downtime to keep your mind off of missing home.
3. Build Connections with Fellow Counselors
You’re not in this alone! Camp is the ultimate destination for meeting new people and forming relationships that will last you a lifetime. The people you work with will quickly become some of your closest friends. Many counselors say that the friendships they form while being a camp counselor at Camp Starfish are one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Make an effort to connect with your fellow counselors—whether that’s during staff training, meal breaks, or evening downtime. Having a strong support system will make a huge difference in how comfortable you feel at camp. Some counselors find asking fellow staff members how they deal with homesickness is helpful in addressing their own. Sometimes simply hearing how someone may be missing home just as much as you do is enough to remind you that what you’re feeling is normal, and that we’re all here to live outside of our comfort zones a little.
4. Set Small Goals to Focus On
Instead of thinking about how long you’ll be away from home, break the summer into smaller milestones to give yourself something to look forward to frequently. Set daily or weekly goals—whether it’s learning a new skill, leading an activity, or getting to know every camper in your group. These goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and help keep your mind focused on positive experiences.
Need a way to track goals? Try journaling! Check out this article on how journaling helps with mindfulness to get started.
You can also plan “rewards” for yourself throughout the summer – make it through the first session of camp? Plan a fun activity with some fellow counselors to celebrate. Make this a routine to celebrate how far you’ve made it during the summer, that way all of the pressure doesn’t fall on the final day of camp.
5. Create a “Comfort Routine”
Even though camp life is different from home, finding small routines can provide a sense of stability that can alleviate homesickness.
This could be choosing a book that you commit to reading before bed every night. It could also look like getting up early each morning to ensure you have the hottest water for your shower. Maybe you create a playlist that you listen to during your breaks as a pick-me-up. Maybe you make a schedule for writing letters home to family or friends once per week. These little moments of familiarity can make a big difference in easing homesickness while being a camp counselor at an overnight camp.
6. Reach Out for Support When Needed
If homesickness lingers, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. Your leadership team and co-counselors have all been there before, and they understand what you’re going through. Being a camp counselor at Camp Starfish means being part of a supportive community, and asking for help is always encouraged.
The point of camp is to have fun and find value in your experience; if there’s anything that the people at camp can do to make sure that you’re on the path to achieving that outcome, we’ll want to know. If you ever need a little extra guidance, our leadership staff is here to listen.
7. Remember Why You’re Here
Every summer, staff members leave Camp Starfish with incredible memories, new skills, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Whenever you’re feeling homesick, remind yourself why you chose this experience.
Ask a camper what camp means to them; their response will be a reflection of the dedication and commitment you’ve put into making an amazing and memorable experience for them. You’re making a meaningful impact on children, growing as a person, and becoming part of something truly special.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Camp Experience
Homesickness is a normal part of the adjustment process, but it doesn’t have to define your summer. By staying engaged, building connections, and finding comfort in small routines, you’ll soon feel right at home while being a camp counselor.
Interested in joining our team? Learn more and apply today!
