Homesickness at summer camp: how to help your child

Almost every camper misses home at some point, especially on a first overnight camp. That's normal, and it's a sign of a child who loves their family. The good news is that homesickness usually fades once the days fill up with climbing, paddling and new friends. Here's how to help your camper get ready, and what to do (and not do) while they're away.

Before camp: build confidence

• Choose the camp together. A child who helped pick their camp feels it's theirs. Look at the camp pages together, and if you can, come to an open house or book a tour so the place and the people feel familiar.
• Practice nights away. A weekend at a grandparent's or a sleepover with a friend shows your child they can manage without you, and that you'll be fine too.
• Talk about it openly. Tell them that missing home is normal and that it usually passes. Ask what they might do if they feel sad: talk to a counselor, write a letter or join in with the group.
• Talk about phones early. On backpacking trips, campers are away from phones and email for the whole trip. It's much easier when that isn't a surprise.
• Let them pack. Packing their own bag with you, using our packing guide, helps them know where everything is and feel in charge.

Don't make a pickup deal

It's tempting to say, "If you don't like it, I'll come and get you." It sounds kind, but it tells your child you don't think they can manage, and it gives them a reason not to settle in. Instead, tell them you're confident they'll have a great time and that you can't wait to hear all about it.

Drop-off day: short, warm goodbyes

Overnight campers arrive on Sunday between 11am and 1pm. After check-in at the office, they swap their duffel bag for a backpack at gear issue and meet their group. Once they're with their group, keep the goodbye short and upbeat. A long, emotional farewell is usually harder on everyone.

If your child takes medication, hand it to their trip leaders at check-in. It's also a good moment to mention anything that helps your child settle, such as being nervous about the first night.

While they're away: write letters

Mail is the best way to stay in touch. We deliver letters and care packages to campers on the trail. Send a letter a few days before camp starts, so something is waiting in the first days, when homesickness is most likely. Address mail to your camper's name and trip dates, c/o WAEL, 11176 Peaceful Valley Rd, New Castle, VA 24127.

• Keep letters cheerful. Ask about their adventures and their new friends.
• Skip the "we miss you so much." Lines like "the dog keeps looking for you" or "it's so quiet without you" can make homesickness worse. Save them for when they're home.
• Leave out big news. If something difficult happens at home, it may be better to tell them in person.
• Send enough treats for everyone. If you send a care package, please include enough for the whole group and both counselors so nobody feels left out.

For parents: no news is good news

Being away from your child can be hard on you too. Remember that counselors carry phones for emergencies, all our staff hold at least Wilderness First Aid certification, and Base Camp answers the phone 24 hours a day during the summer program. In an emergency, call Base Camp at 540-864-6792. If you don't hear from us, your camper is busy having an adventure.

Not ready for a full week away?

Some children do better with a gentler start. Day Camp lets them climb, paddle and make friends, then come home each evening, and Homestead Adventure brings campers back to a hot meal, a shower and a bed in the lodge every night. Our guide to choosing a first camp explains the options, and our summer camp FAQs answer most other questions.

When they come home

Pickup is on Saturday between 10am and noon. Expect a tired, muddy camper with a lot of stories. Let them tell you about it in their own time. Many first-time campers who struggled with homesickness on Sunday are asking about next summer by Saturday.