Prevent Attacks of Homesickness at Summer Camp
Planning Ahead Makes Sure Campers Have Fun in the Wilderness
Jun 24, 2009
A child’s first experience with sleep away camp can be scary. Even seasoned campers can get a touch of homesickness if they don’t know what to expect. Parents should talk to their children before going away to camp to let them know about all the fun camp activities they can expect. Parents and children should look at pictures of the camp together, from either brochures or a web site to see what the camp atmosphere is like. Children should also help with packing their gear so they can not only decided what goes in the bag, but can find it later too.
Advanced Planning is the Key
Talking about camp may not be enough if for campers who don’t have previous experience sleeping away from home. Parents should make plans for their children to spend the night at a grandparent's house or attend a slumber party to get used to the idea of being away from home.
Parents should consider going on a family camping trip before sending children to a wilderness camp solo. This way kids can experience the great outdoors – and all the bugs – while still having mom and dad as a safety net.
Backyard Camping
Some parents aren’t into camping, or lack the time to take a family camping trip before sending their children away for the summer. In these cases a simple backyard camp out can help prepare a child for sleeping outdoors. Children can invite a friend over for an outdoor slumber party. If the family doesn’t have a real tent or backyard clubhouse to use for shelter, they can make a play tent by throwing a tarp or sheet over a clothes line in the back yard. Check the weather report for rain before using a makeshift tent.
Pack a Pillow for a Little Bit of Home
When it comes time to pack for camp, children should bring their usual bed pillow. It's hard enough sleeping in a strange place, so having his or her own pillow will help make a camper feel more comfortable.
If a camper is going to be roughing it, use a pillow protector to keep the pillow dry. Damp air and dew can make a pillow feel musty and gross. Shop for an antimicrobial pillow case with a moisture barrier. These pillow cases are designed to keep a pillow clean and bacteria free, and also work to keep it dry. Use it underneath the normal pillow case. The outer pillow case may still get damp, but will dry much faster than the entire pillow.
Letters from Home
Parents should plan to send their children plenty of letters from home while they're away at camp, because no one likes to be left out at mail call. Parents should only send upbeat letters with encouraging messages. This isn't a time to tell them how much they are missed, or to talk about all the fun the rest of the family is having without them.
Homesickness is Normal
According to Dr. Christopher Thurber, co-author of Summer Camp Handbook, 95 percent of campers experience some level of homesickness. He says it is perfectly normal, and once homesickness is conquered, kids develop confidence and greater independence.
Parents can help prevent homesickness by helping their children prepare for camp, talk about what to expect during their stay and by sending encouraging letters while they are away from home.
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