Leaving for Camp: Homesick Campers

Your last hug before sending your child off to camp can be a tell tale reality of the situation: your child is leaving for a two week overnight camp, the counselor is waiting patiently to the side and you’re slowly peeling off their fingers one by one so you can breathe and they can get on with their adventure. Children of all ages head off to camp every summer; some are veterans to this annual trip and others rookies. Surrounded by unfamiliar sites, sounds and people, leaving home for the first time is an awkward experience. To some extent we can understand these feelings; as adults, we may have a similar mind-set when moving to a new city or beginning a new position. Relieving camp fears is the best way to create a positive trip—both you and your child may sleep soundly. Psychologist Dr. Thurber and the American Camp Association suggest the following tips for building a smooth transition into camp life.

Overnight Summer Camp: Don’t Leave Home Without It:

As a child, my brother wouldn’t go anywhere without his “binky;” as he grew older my mother would cut small squares from this precious cloth before throwing it in the wash. Soon, there wasn’t much of a blanket and eventually my brother gave up the remaining small square. This method is not recommended before summer camp; allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed animal, blanket or picture. This enables your camper to add a piece of home life to their camp surroundings.

Summer Camp Preparation: Practice Makes Perfect:

Slumber parties with friends at their homes create independence and practice for summer camp—not to mention, some of my favorite adventures were actually staying up late, eating junk food and watching scary movies in my best friends’ basement!

Picking the Camp:

Spread out camp research on the kitchen table and allow your child to peruse through brochures and camp pictures—create a comfortable scenario by allowing your child an investment in choosing their camp; the more they know the more they’ll trust a foreign environment.

The Dialed in Camper:

I’ve witnessed children as young as five with a cell phone; don’t expect this to be the case at overnight summer camps. Numerous camps have a “no cell phone” policy. Discuss calling home with your child and the camp director; designate a special day when you’re camper may call you—stick to your guns and allow your child to make the most of their time away.

To The Rescue: Should Your Camper Come Home?

When listening to a call home and a tearful earful of camp life, encourage your child to calm down, take a deep breathe and chat about the problem before making any rash decisions. Decide on the severity of the problem—sometimes it takes a few days to adjust to an unfamiliar environment. Reassure your child of the time frame and unless absolutely necessary avoid jumping in the car to become the “rescuer.”

Summer Camp Guilt:

Don’t get caught in a cloud of guilt over encouraging your child to stay—it’s only camp and the experience teaches independence and confidence. Leave bribes to the mobsters; your child’s reward is the experience of summer camp.

The Summer Camp Blues:

Dr. Thurber’s findings shows only seven percent of homesick cases are severe—take heed of this information in heed when communicating to a homesick camper. Find out as much information as possible: it may be time to come home if your child isn’t eating or sleeping because of a heightened sense of anxiety.

Allow your camper to present their feelings openly; never make a joke of their fears and stay positive. Take the opportunity to prepare and send a care package before they leave for camp so they’ll receive it on arrival; tips for contents are included in the next section.

Camp Talk: Discussing the Youth Camp Option

Summer’s around the corner, school will be let out and after a couple of weeks on the home front with the kids, it may be a good time for your child to head to summer camp. Camps have come a long way—your child won’t be stuck at some table creating macaroni pictures while being eaten alive by killer mosquitoes. Youth camps offer a fine alternative to the lack of structure that follows the end of the school year. I was enjoying lunch with a friend over the weekend and she spoke about her daughter’s summer camp experience last year, “It was kind of a relief for both of us, I mean, I love my daughter but she had fun meeting new friends and participating in numerous activities while I finished up my book.” My sense was that she felt guilty for appreciating some “me” time while her daughter scurried off to camp. However, overnight summer camps and even day camps can be a win-win situation for everyone involved. More importantly, it’s crucial to speak with your child about their likes, dislikes and fears about leaving home—a day camp is another alternative. After creating a focused outline on the types of camps available, set up a dinner or throw on some hot chocolate—it’s time to discuss the following questions with your child:

The Summer Camp Option: Is A Camp Program Right For Your Child?

It seems straight forward but ask your child how they want to use their free time this summer—after listening, throw out the idea of summer camp.

Your Very Own Summer Camp: What Would You Do?

The more creative communication used during dinner, the more developed the conversations become. Ask your child, “If you could create a summer camp of your own, what would you and your friends do there?” At this point, present information you may have found that matches their description of the perfect camp. Take note; make the conversation fun but informative: food fights and playing videogames don’t count as activities.

Your Child’s Summer Adventure: Length of Stay:

Leaving home for the first time is a right of passage; the process is both exciting and nerve racking—first time campers probably shouldn’t stay at an overnight camp for more than two weeks. Ask your child straight forward, “how long would you like to spend at camp?” Finances should be taken into account when deciding on the perfect getaway for your little camper; day camps tend to be more affordable. Let’s face it, most of us aren’t Ritchie Rich but there are numerous youth camps that fit with every budget.

Teen Camps and Teen Tactics:

At some point, your teen may have the inkling to join in on the leadership aspect of summer camp. This is the perfect opportunity to give the family car a rest and ask your teen about taking advantage of the many camp counseling training programs. Geared for teens around 16 or 17, learning to become a camp counselor is the perfect way for teens to gain leadership skills, earn a little extra money, volunteer or bunk at a camp for free. Become involved in the process and help your teen research for more information.

Show you’re open to the type of camp they choose; throw out options and refrain from pressuring your child to attend a summer camp. This may or may not be your child’s camp year—open the door to discussion and find out reasons for anxiety or why they loathe attending summer camp. The world is their campground and you can help them discover the perfect spot.

Choosing from a Variety of Summer Camps

Summer Camp Types

Back in high school I remember working as a camp instructor for a specialty camp; the facility was created for the mentally and physically handicapped. As a counselor, we knew the terrain well and trained extensively to prepare for the arrival of our campers. It was a great experience, although challenging at times. Working at the camp taught me how much fun summer camps can be regardless of your child’s abilities or interests.

Sifting thru the packets and brochures; every youth summer camp seems like a child’s idea of heaven—pictures of children laughing, swimming and cheerfully eating in the mess halls. Hey, they all look good to me. Camp information packets can be helpful but may not adequately represent camp life; maybe you notice the photographs were taken in 1983! Don’t become overwhelmed with the job of finding the perfect camp, take one step at a time and create an outline to finding a perfect haven for your child. First figure out what types of camps are out there—be prepared; know exactly what to put on the table when discussing options with your child. Begin with the types of summer camps below and learn more about how to talk to your child about choosing a specific camp at www.camptalk.com.

Focused Summer Camps for Kids:

Surf camp, comedy camp (yes, this really exists) and computer programming camp—these are all examples of focused camps. Amazingly, there is a camp for almost every child’s particular interests and talents. The programs are specific and several hours a day are spent on one or more activities revolving around that topic of interest. When researching details of a particular camp discuss a “day in the life” of a camper with the camp director; these people expect you to request more information. Discover what it really entails to go off to surf camp.

Summer Education: Kids in the Great Outdoors:

These programs are usually offered to groups such as schools, preschools and day campers. Maybe it’s driving you nuts watching your child eat Oreos, sip from juice boxes and play Street Fighter III on the Playstation all summer. Outdoor camps offer a fun alternative—children can explore nature and participate in physical activity while allowing their parents a little free time during the summer months.

Overnight Summer Camps: Home Away from Home:

A great way to teach children how to cope away from the home front. Overnight camps offer independence and structured adventures. Ask camp directors questions about daily schedules, facilities, meals, age range of campers and the experience level of the counselors. Often, if chosen correctly, the events and people met at overnight camps are never forgotten; your child may return year after year to the same camp. Relationships with fellow campers are important—it’s best to discuss concerns with your child so you may choose a camp where he or she is comfortable with the people and the environment surrounding them.

Special Needs Summer Youth Camps:

Your camper can stay the night or adventure off for a day trip; prepared for campers with mental, physical or developmental needs. Specialty camps offer both facilities and experienced staff to handle any needs your child may require. As with most overnight camps, if possible, it’s best to visit the camp beforehand.

Teen Summer Camps: Adventure Around the Corner:

At some point, creating clay handprints or canoeing across the same lake every summer is outgrown by the camp connoisseur—teens. Find that perfect summer adventure by researching the numerous adventure and tour camps popping up all over. Some offer adventures abroad; send your teen off on a rock climbing exploration for a day nearby or for a few weeks to Costa Rica for a kayaking expedition. Tailored for the curious teenager, these camps offer insight and knowledge into most any activity they’re interested in. Career camps are also available for your little Donald Trump.

Summer Camp Fun: Family Style:

The SUV is packed, grandpa’s dozing off in the back and the kids are balancing M&M’s on his forehead. Yes, it’s that time of year again and the Griswold’s are off for another family vacation. However, you won’t be driving to Wally World; take off for a dude ranch in Montana or research other camps appropriate for the family. A lot of packages provide programs and activities suitable for all ages—accommodations and food are often provided with the fee.

Summer Youth Camp: Packing Perfection

After months of research the camp has been chosen and you’ve just talked your youngest down from a near tantrum thru your “big kids go to camp” explanation of why he or she won’t be joining big sis or brother on their outdoor adventure. Just a few nights before the big day, your proud camper to be is chatting on the phone to grandma about the great trip and you still haven’t packed the travel bag. No worries—grab a cup of tea, a duffle bag and your sharpie marker; a week of bubble baths and some well deserved summer down time is just around the corner.

First things first, dig out the camp packet buried at the bottom of your mail pile and read over any missed details you may have accidentally skimmed over. Most kids’ camps send out a list of necessary items your child will need during their stay. While you may feel tempted to cut out an item here and there, it’s not recommended. These lists are created for a reason and the items shouldn’t be hard to find; Camp Paha Sapa doesn’t usually require a “treasure hunt” for that special Himalayan mosquito net—don’t worry about specialty items until your child requests a camp closer to that of an African Safari. However, don’t wait until the night before to pack juniors bag; planning ahead is advised because you never know if a store run will be essential—especially if this is your first camp preparation. Follow these easy steps and each year will get a little easier:

Summer Camp: A soft duffel or gym bag:

Luggage is often bulky and doesn’t roll well on rocky terrain. Save the 1979 Samsonite hand-me-down for that first trip to Europe. Packing for a camping trip is about an easy-to-handle light pack filled with necessities; your camper should be focused on meeting people and participating in activities. Plus, duffel bags often hold more than meets the eye.

Summer Camp Weather: Shiver me timbers:

Don’t send your camper off without the appropriate garb; no parent would knowingly forget the essentials but we do forget that summer doesn’t account for those cold mountain nights. Check weather reports or ask camp directors about weather patterns.

Overnight Summer Camp: Heirlooms and Breakables:

Your little camper may wear that watch or locket everywhere but these items are no match for summer camp—especially after a few canon balls off the diving board. Leave these items at home; even computer camp is no place for specialty items that can be lost or broken.

Camp Terrain: A light at the End of the Tunnel:

If there’s one item not to purchase on the cheap it’s a flashlight—buy one at a camping or hardware store. Make sure it’s sturdy, reliable and you pack extra batteries. A flashlight offers security and a lighted path to the outhouse.

Summer Camp Packing: Keeping up with the Jones’:

Compromise with your child; allow your camper to grab their favorite sweater or sneakers but stores like Old Navy are a great inexpensive source for an extra swimsuit, cute flip-flops, socks, basic tees and shorts. Don’t forget to initial articles of clothing with your black sharpie.

Pack extra underwear and socks; life happens at camp—especially in the great outdoors. Your camper will appreciate the extras after a day canoeing on the lake, hiking or sitting around a smoky campfire. Plus, they don’t take much extra room. Here’s a list of essentials to get you started; it seems like a lot but take into consideration the length of your child’s camp stay—quantities may vary:

• shorts (4-6 pairs)


• long pants (4-6 pairs)


• t-shirts (6-8)


• light sweaters (4)


• heavy jacket


• socks (10-12 pairs)


• sun hat or baseball cap


• pair of slippers


• pair of flip-flops


• pair of sneakers


• pair of hiking boots (depending on camp)


• rain boots or water proof hiking boots


• pajamas (2-3)


• underwear (8-10)


• bathing suits (3-4)


• rain coat


• towels (4-7)


• face cloths (2)


• laundry bag


• brush/comb


• bars of soap (2)


• toothbrush/paste


• bottle of shampoo/conditioner


• insect repellent


• sun screen


• nail clippers


• toiletry bag


• travel Kleenex


• pillow/case


• blankets (2)


• sheets (4)


• flashlight and batteries

You can find a few camp supplies here.