Sending your child to camp for the first time is a major milestone for a child, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation and perhaps even some anxiety. For many kids, sleep away camp is often the first real separation from parents they have experienced, and some have difficulty transitioning from the comforts of home to learning more independence. Homesickness, of course, is quite common, though in varying degrees.
The good news is that “the vast majority of youngsters get over their homesickness in a matter of two or three days,” says David Tager, director of Indian Head Camp, a co-ed resident camp in Wayne County, PA. “In order to minimize the impact of homesickness, children need to be kept busy, especially during ‘down’ times like rest-hour and bedtime,” he added. “Playing interactive games during rest hour and reading to campers at bedtime can be effective ways to distract homesick campers so they don’t turn their thoughts towards their families.”
But that’s once they’re in the hands of experienced camp directors like Tager. There are also many things parents can do to prepare their prospective campers for the emotional transition, and to support them once they are away.
*Involve your child in the camp process. The more involved your child is about camp decisions, from choosing the camp to packing, the more comfortable your child will feel about being at camp.
*Practice separation throughout the year. Have your child sleep over at friends’ and relatives’ houses.
*Discuss with your child what camp will be like. Honest discussions before your child leaves will help prepare your child for the camp experience.
*Don’t bribe. Linking a successful camp stay to a material object when your child returns home sends the wrong message. Your child’s independence and growth at camp is the reward.
