I’ve recently spoken with many parents who will be sending their daughters off to Agawak this summer. Nervousness and anxiety are beginning to set in both for the parents and child. You will be glad to know this is normal and should be expected. If you haven’t been experiencing these feelings consider yourself fortunate.
Imagine this scenario…It’s been 6 days since Emma has been at camp. You receive a letter from her saying “I hate it here! There are bugs! I didn’t get the top bunk like I wanted. I cry every day and you need to pick me up. I have so much more fun at home. Please come get me. If you don’t pick me up I will never forgive you.”
What should you do?
First take the deepest breath you’ve ever taken and realize it’s perfectly natural for campers (staff members too) to experience some degree of homesickness.
When campers have time to write it’s during rest hour before bed or on lazy Sunday morning when not as much activity is going on around them. During these times campers tend to experience homesickness. These feelings arise throughout the day they write to express their feelings at the moment but usually once engaged in activities these feelings disappear or lessen. Usually by the time you receive these letters the situation has already improved.
There are no magical number of days when homesickness ends. It depends on the individual camper and the support from their parents at home. Some campers experience only fleeting moments while for others these feelings can linger for two plus weeks. The most crucial thing to remember is that eventually these feelings do pass and a love of camp emerges. It will be important for you to let your daughter know that you are confident in her ability to cope with her new adventure. Remember to validate her feelings and tell her how proud you are of her. Let her know about a time you felt homesick. Remember not to tell her you can’t wait for her to come home.
Here is a sample letter a real parent wrote:
Dear Emma
I just got off the phone with Mary. She said she promised you she would call me and tell me about the talk you had with her. She told me you hoped I would pick you up from camp. Mary told me you were homesick and cried because you are missing me. I am sad you are feeling this way and I want you to know I love you so much. Although I didn’t go to camp I did leave my family and friends for a year when I backpacked across Europe. I too missed my family and friends.
I am not going to pick you up. You are a strong fun loving and independent girl. You will get through this. The best way to get through your homesickness is to stay active and busy. It is really hot and boring at home. Most of the kids are away and you would be bored silly.
Please let me know every fun activity you are trying. Tell me about your cabin. How is the food? Be strong have fun and remember you are loved. Now…chin up put on a smile and run out to your next activity.
Love
Mom
I hope you find the above sample letter helpful. Expect a few of these types of letters. Remember to be strong yourself. Don’t crumble. You are always welcome to call our office to check up on your daughter’s progress. We will also contact you about any substantial homesickness we are seeing. Camp is a learning experience. Sending your daughter to camp offers a wonderful opportunity for both you and your child to practice “letting go.” Learning to let go allows children to develop authority and a stronger sense of self make new friends develop social skills learn about team work and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Lastly if you think your daughter may be homesick please send us an email in advance. If your daughter is a returning camper there is no need to contact us. We remember quite well who our homesick campers were from the previous summer.
Happy camping
Mary