Summer Camp Homesickness
Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety o...
Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety or homesickness is a normal part of childhood. It is appropriate, in loving, trusting family. Because your child loves and feels secure with you, separation can be scary and uncomfortable
A overnight often is difficult for a child, even if they know the seperation is followed by a family reunion. Children can easily get overwhelmed when adjusting to living with new people in a different place, . Even for children who enjoy new adventures a short bout of homesickness is a common reaction for kids new to summer camp.
Regardless of outcome, don’t measure success as a parent by your child’s adjustment to camp. Should your child do well and not feel homesick does not mean that they do not love you and need you. Also, if your child does poorly adjusting to camp, it does not mean that you have failed to create an independent child. For some campers , it feels as if they may never see you again . Be sure to put your child’s reaction into context, often all they need is comfort and reassurance that all is ok.
Anxiety can cause the least rational reactions in children as well as adults. Homesickness is a temporary feeling that can over come with adult support. The benefits of overcomes homesickness are enormous It increases self-confidence and self esteem. Don’t give up when you get that letter saying come pick me up I hate it here. Instead call the camp director and discuss how they might be able to help your child
There are times that with a great deal of thought and awareness a choise is made to bring your child home. Failure is a feeling that often is associated with an early leaving of camp. Sometimes a child is just not ready for camp or the camp is just not a good fit. If, after a real trial (7-10 days), and your child is not getting better, it’s time to make that trip to camp.
Should you make the decision to go get your child, try and work it out with the camp director. Feelings of failure may arise so you need to support your child. Save the evaluation for a week or so after camp, when you sort out what went went wrong with the experience. Help your child to understand that even though the camp experience was disappointing, he is not a failure because things were learned. Assure let your child confidence in him and a different program may be better in the future.
A uniqnue , Swift Nature Camp offers a program designed only for first time campers. This Discovery Camp works because during the 12 days it allows camper to move past homesickness and into self confidence. This program limits campers to about 50 with 6 in a cabin with 2 or 3 staff. All campers are here for their first time, setting a level playing field for all campers. If your child is a little reluctant to leave home, look for a program that is especially designed only for first time campers
Picking a summer camp is no easy task learn more at Summer Camp Advice a guide for
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp. This for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 promotes Nature, Animals & Science along with Adventure activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as Adventure Programs.