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Attention: First Time Campers!

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Going to camp for the first time can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for children. It’s natural for them to feel anxious about leaving home for an extended period of time. Here are some tips to help your child cope with anxiety and have a positive experience at camp:

  • Talk to the camp director. Find out how the camp addresses homesickness. Have the camp director and your child talk so your child will know them and can ask questions.

 

  • Focus on all the good things about camp: talk to your child in an excited way about what they will be doing at camp and what they will learn over their time at camp. Remember: camp is all about learning new things and meeting new people, all of which can build a child’s confidence.

 

  • Make it clear to your child that you understand that being away from home can be difficult in the beginning, but also show that you are confident your child can make a successful transition. Kids often pick up anxiety from parents. If you are anxious, they probably will be, too!

 

  • Encourage your child to bring something that will remind them of home: a note from mom and dad, a picture of the family, or some kind of transitional object to comfort them during anxious times.

 

  • Keep the goodbyes short. Whether you are saying good-bye at the bus or taking your child to camp and walking away, don’t linger. Most campers start mingling with other kids within moments of your departing.

 

  • Have your child read “Notes from the Camp Bunk: A Guide for First-time Campers from a Camper” by Eden Martin. Eden is still a camper herself and she wrote this book because she knew others were nervous about going away. This book is sure to make your child feel more at ease about any unsettling feelings about going away to camp.  Eden answers all the questions a child has about what camp is like. This book can be found on Amazon:  https://a.co/d/6ikuWTP. A portion of all sales of this book goes to “Project Morry,” an organization that empowers young people from under-resourced communities to reach their potential.

For more ways to prepare for a successful summer, check out our blog on “Tips for a Successful Camp Experience”: https://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/blog/tips-for-a-successful-camp-experience/

Putting Your First Time Campers’ Mind at Ease

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As schools end it is clear, SUMMER IS HERE! With it comes lots of welcome changes, including warmer weather, unscheduled time, and summer trips and camps. It is a time for kids to spread their wings and take a breath. Many parents are sending their children to sleepaway camp for the very first time. Some kids are thrilled and anticipate all the fun they will have. Others are unsure and might be anxious about what making new friends and what to expect at camp.

We have found a new book written by a middle school student that might help put new campers’ minds at ease. It is titled Notes from the Camp Bunk: A Guide for First-Time Campers from a Camper Amazon offers this description: “This young author, Eden Martin, a middle school student and camper, has written a reassuring guide for kids 7-14 who will be attending sleepaway camp for the first time. She offers the unique perspective of a young camper who has been to camp herself for several summers. Topics covered include: what is so great about camp, a day in the life of a camper, sleeping and eating at camp, coping with homesickness and what to pack.”

Parents and campers alike can benefit from this great resource!

Camper’s Best Friend

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As camp advisors, we are so lucky to visit camps each summer. In addition to meeting loads of happy campers and connecting with directors, we also meet many four-legged friends.  At so many of our favorite summer places, the camp dog is an integral part of camp life!

 

The happiest dogs are camp dogs!  Who wouldn’t love endless scratches and belly rubs, plenty of room to roam, and so many kids to meet?  Many camp directors understand the positive impact a dog can have on the camp community.

 

Though some children are understandably afraid, many kids love animals, and dogs in particular. It’s a different matter that some kids might be afraid because of allergies.  A friendly, tail-wagging dog can be the perfect remedy for homesickness, providing a spirit boost to a child who may need it.  The dog can be the glue that helps bond friendships and can assist a shy kid in making a new friend.  And, a dog can make camp feel like home.

 

Dogs embody the values that are front and center in the camp community.  They love unconditionally, they don’t care what you look like or what you are wearing, they are inclusive and accepting, and they don’t judge.  Tails up for the camp dog!

Homesickness

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It’s not uncommon for a first time camper to experience homesickness. Some campers may even have a mild case in their 2nd or 3rd year at camp. I can speak from experience having attended camp and gone through homesickness myself. My first year at camp I cried every night getting into a cold sleeping bag and wrote a letter every day that I wanted to come home! Luckily my parents knew enough not to pick me up early!

Not addressing homesickness can significantly affect important life-lessons and social skills. Preparing a child for camp and staying away from home will help them when leaving for college and gaining an independent life as they mature.

For every child, coping with homesickness will vary. There are several ways you can help prepare your children for a summer away from home:

  1. Let Them Choose Camp. By involving them in the camp selection process they’ll be more confident and excited to be there. It gives them a sense of control.
  2. Discuss What Homesickness Is. Tell your child how they might feel when not staying at home and let them know that it’s okay to have these feelings. At camp it’s most typical to get homesick at night. Encourage them to be open with their counselors if they are feeling sad or missing home.
  3. Practice Sleeping Away. A weekend with a friend or family member is a great way to introduce being away from home. Be sure to limit communication with your child. This will give them an idea of how it will be while they’re at camp. Spring Break and long weekends during the school year are perfect times to practice.
  4. Encourage New Friends. Many children will be scared of not knowing anyone at camp. Prior to camp encourage your child to make new friends. Some camps have a big brother/big sister program where they match a new camper with a returning one to be a buddy before and during camp.
  5. Send a Letter. It will be a great surprise and a reminder of home to send a letter that will be waiting for them when they arrive. Write frequently! Remember to be encouraging and let them know how proud you are of them for attending camp. Most importantly, remind them to enjoy the summer and have fun!

All camps have staff trained to help children cope with their homesickness and some children forget all about it within a few days. Typically, counselors will encourage campers to share reminders of home with each other. Talk to your camp’s director to find out how they specifically handle homesickness and include your child in that conversation too.

A great reminder for parents is to not express your own concern or anxiety about your child leaving for the summer. If they see your strength and confidence about how much fun they’ll have at camp, it will put them at ease.

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