We are excited for the Summer of 2020 and are busy preparing for our 95th summer. Below are a number of excellent resources about camp to help parents and their children prepare for their summer camp experience.

“The benefits of sending your kid to overnight camp” by Lisa Kadane

Walton’s video: First Time Camper 

Walton’s video: Camper To Camper Advice

Homesickness
While most campers adjust to camp life fairly quickly, missing home can be part of the experience for some. As you prepare to send your child to camp, here are a few DOs and DONTs about homesick concerns.

DO focus on the things they are looking forward to about camp. Look at the website and watch some of the camp videos together. Help your child identify their top activity choices.

DO let them know that missing home is natural and that you are proud of their independence. Reassure them there will be experts in camp (their counselor, the directors and others) who will be available to help them work through any difficulty.

DO send letters that are focused on life at camp. (What is your favorite activity so far? Who is the goofiest counselor in camp? Where are the kids in your cabin from?)

DO NOT offer to pick them up early. Negotiating with your child to “give it a try” makes it difficult for a camper to “let go” of the going home early option and to fully immerse themselves in camp life.

DO NOT allow your anxiety about being separated from your child to show. Too much checking in about how they are feeling about the upcoming session can create anxiety for your child.

DO NOT hesitate to call us for more pointers if you have concerns about homesickness. We are happy to help.

Michael Thompson’s book, Homesick and Happy, is a wonderful read for parents on this topic:

Thoughts about Photos

During each camp session we post a few photos to share a glimpse of life inside our “camp bubble.” For many parents, this may be the first extended time without daily communication with your child. Our philosophy is to focus on the experience in camp while helping parents to navigate this separation. This is an important part of the camp experience for both camper and parent. While we understand some parents would like to see more pictures, we have found pictures can be the source of unnecessary concern. (“My child was standing away from the group.” “My child looks sad.”) Please know that your child’s experience in camp is our top priority.

Deborah Gilboa, MD, Author, Mom, Parenting and Youth Development Expert shares her thoughts about camp photos.