Missing Home
We expect children to miss home and loved ones. We consider this a normal and healthy feeling. Most campers adapt to camp quickly as they become busy with camp activity and make new friends. Wyonegonic provides training and tools for staff to look for signs of homesickness and to mitigate ordinary cases. The more difficult cases typically pull in the Unit Directors, Camp Health Center Staff and contact to parents via Directors.
There are experiences and conversations that should occur at home in preparation for camp. We invite you to review these suggestions and utilize the resources listed below.
- Consider involving your child with the decision to attend camp as well as the before camp preparation, such as packing.
- Parents should prepare their child emotionally for the separation from home. This includes not offering the chance to change their mind or making pick-up deals. Showing your camper that you believe in them makes a world of difference!
- For the inexperienced, we suggest practice time away from home (sleep-overs).
- We suggest that you talk to your child about the normalcy of missing home and sharing with them effective coping strategies for in-camp homesickness. It’s normal to miss people you love, but it’s also ok to enjoy a new place and new friends. Campers should not feel bad about being happy and having fun without their parents and siblings.
- We suggest that you share information about the welcoming, caring camp culture and all the ways that camp staff provide warm support and exciting opportunities.
- Letters to campers should be positive and remind campers of support networks at camp. Tell them that it is ok to share feelings with trusted counselors and friends while at camp. That is part of why campers come to camp – to be away! (see blog example below).
Essentials of Homesick Prevention: Dramatic Reductions in Homesick Intensity Depend on What You Do Before Opening Day
by Christopher Thurber Ph.D
Why Camp Part 1- Camp Builds Resilience Blog by Dr Tracy Brenner
Why Camp Part 2 – Camp is Away Blog by Dr Tracy Brenner
Homesickness Blog
by Rachel Kelly Williams, former Wyonegonic Unit Director
Resilience – short video
by Dr. G – Dr. Debra Gilboa
The Resilience Cycle
by Dr. G – Dr. Debra Gilboa
Prevention and Care – Your Child’s Health at Camp
by Linda Ebner Erceg, RN, MS, PHN