Summer Camp
Dear Dr. LeCrone: Our 10-year-old child is going to a two week long summer camp for the first time in a few weeks and my husband and I am worried about the possibility of homesickness. Can you give us some pointers to help with this potential problem?
Dear Concerned Parent:
Homesickness is often a part of the sleep-over summer camp experience, especially for first or even second time campers. Don’t be surprised if you get letters complaining about the food, the bugs, other campers or the weather.
Most children adjust to camp as they get to know other campers and the staff. Involvement in activities during the day will usually divert a camper’s attention away from home. The tough times often comes at night when the child has time to think about family, friends, and even pets back home.
Early letters from the homesick camper can contain messages such as “I cry myself to sleep every night because I miss you so much.” “I’m so homesick I could die.” “This is the worst time I have ever had.” “Please send pictures of my room and pet.” “If you loved me you would come pick me up.”
Here are some ideas for parents who may need help in dealing with a homesick child this summer:
Write your child at camp and be positive. Emphasize words of “love” rather than “miss”. Let the child know that you want him to have a good time and that you are confident things will improve. Obviously, be available if the camp staff needs you, but don’t bother them with lots of letters and phone calls expressing your doubts about the care of your child.
Send mail and packages as often as camp policy permits. Some camps now permit e-mail and faxes. Encourage close friends and relatives to drop your child a note as “mail call” can often help dissipate homesickness.
Try to view this experience as a rite of passage in your child’s development. Children who learn to cope with the perceived stress of separation, such as going to camp, gain a feeling of mastery over themselves and their environment. The experience may be good for both you and your child as parents often become quite homesick too for their child. After your child makes it through the first camp experience, don’t be surprised if one of the first sentences you hear them say is, “I can’t wait until next year.”
