Camp is around the corner! Campers across the tri-state area and beyond are counting down the days to summer camp. As a parent, you may have your own countdown and checklist of things you would like to accomplish prior to your child’s arrival to camp. Making sure your child’s paperwork is complete. Packing clothes for their summer adventure, labeling every article of clothing your child is bringing to camp, deciding which book to send your child with to camp, making sure they have Grandma and Grandpa’s mail address, etc…. There often can be so many things to consider when sending your child to camp. There is one more thing we want you to help your child with to preparing for camp: homesickness.
Frost Valley YMCA will see close to 2000 children this summer. A majority of children that come to camp feel homesick at some point during their stay. For some children, it will only occur once or twice during down time. For others, homesickness can severely affect and spoil their camp experience. Being away from family and friends in an environment that is very unlike their own can initially be a very scary thing for a child. However, the Frost Valley YMCA camp directors and staff want to let you know that you and your child are not alone in homesickness and that we are here to help.
We have several tips you can take to ensure that you and your children have the best experience this summer.
- It’s normal for children to ask prior to the first day of camp, “What if I want to come home?” Most parents provide an answer that virtually guarantees intense homesickness. “If you feel homesick, I’ll come and get you.” Please do not make a “pick-up deal.” Promising this will undermines the children’s confidence and dramatically intensifies homesickness. As a parent, you will always have ability to pick up your child at anytime. The pick up deal often gives children something to be preoccupied with. We suggest talking positively about their anxiety and how they will have a great time at camp.
- Have your child talk to another child who has been to camp. Children who have been to camp can tell each other better than any adult.
- Pack some pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelopes, along with paper and pens. This will allow for children to easily write home when they need to communicate to you. This will also ensure you receive a letter!
- If you have time before camp, have your child spend practice time away from home. Time away from home will build confidence and teach a child how to cope with being away. A weekend at their grandparents’ or a friend’s house would work well.
- The cornerstone of homesickness prevention is parents’ attitudes. We suggest expressing confidence, optimism, and a positive attitude about camp to your children. Your children look up to you and will role model the tone you set.
- Have your child list a bunch of questions they have and give us a call. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about camp.
