Preparing Your Child Emotionally for Camp: Homesickness

As you consider your child's well-being and confidence in who God made them to be, it's also important to think about their emotional readiness before heading to summer camp. So many things compete for our children's attention in today’s world, and camp can introduce a variety of new emotions and experiences. It’s essential that they arrive at camp with the tools they need to navigate all the feelings that may arise.

For some kids, being away from home can trigger homesickness, which can affect not only the camper but also their counselors and cabin mates. Homesickness is a natural part of the camp experience, but with preparation, it can be managed. Encouraging your child to embrace this time of independence can help, but it’s important they know they are not alone in feeling this way.

With the excitement and busyness that comes with camp life, ensuring that your child is getting quality sleep is also key. A well-rested child is better equipped to handle the emotional highs and lows of camp. As a parent, you can help by setting expectations around sleep routines and making sure they understand the importance of self-care even in a busy camp schedule.

Talking through these things beforehand will not only set your child up for a positive experience but will also help them feel emotionally prepared to tackle the challenges that come with this exciting adventure.

Here are 4 tools to give your child to help if they face homesickness at camp:

• Journaling: Encourage your child to write down their feelings or experiences in a journal. This can help them process emotions and shift focus to positive aspects of camp.

• Breathing Exercises: Teach them simple techniques, like deep breathing or counting to 10, to calm themselves when feeling overwhelmed.

• Reach Out to a Counselor: Remind your child that camp counselors are there to help. Encourage them to talk to a counselor if they’re feeling homesick or need extra support.

• Pray and Remember God’s Presence: Remind your child that God is always with them, no matter where they are. Encourage them to pray when they’re feeling homesick or overwhelmed, knowing that God listens and is there to offer comfort and strength.

By equipping your child with these four simple tools, you're helping them learn to manage their emotions and grow into the confident person God wants them to be. At the same time, they’ll feel your ongoing support as they embrace their independence. This balance allows them to focus on the positive, making for a truly memorable and rewarding camp experience.