Talk about camp as often as possible!

• Remind them of the new friends they will make
• Talk about the fun activities they will enjoy
• Explain that their counselors are there for them 24 hours a day

Write your camper letters in advance and drop them off at check-in!

• Short and cheerful letters are the best!
• Please keep letters positive, upbeat, cheerful, newsy and DO NOT SHARE BAD NEWS or “I miss you so much” … please remind them of how excited (proud) you are about them being so independent!
• The more campers know about Camp Wamp, the more secure they will feel.
• Seeing pictures of camp and watching camp videos helps campers become familiar with camp surroundings and facilities
• Share what your plans are while your camper is at camp.
• Often, children worry that they are missing things at home, assure them that camp is where the fun is
• If you will be out of town, please be sure the specific itinerary of where you will be, and how you can be reached is on file with the camp office
• Involve your camper in preparing for camp.
• Have your camper help pack their things for camp. Knowing what they have and where it is brings peace of mind.
• Above all, do not panic if your camper seems upset as you are leaving. Homesickness is temporary (and parents will survive too).

Homesickness
It is normal
Let your camper know that homesickness is a normal feeling and that the best cure is to get busy and enjoy the activities at camp. Let them know that it is a “passing feeling”, that even the counselors feel that way sometimes too, but that we can all get over it quickly if we choose to!

Keep it short and sweet
Don’t linger and say long and sad good-byes. As parents, we want to take our time leaving, but remember, we want our children to be successful! When you leave them, tell them you want their first letter to list their 5 favorite things so far.

Let’s not make a deal
Please don’t tell your camper that you’ll pick them up if they don’t like camp. If you do so, we are defeated before we ever start! Tell them that they should share their feelings with their counselors and that they will help! Assure them that they will overcome being homesick!

Don’t make them feel guilty
If you have a child that you are sure is not going to be homesick, do not make them feel guilty that they are not homesick. Often, they feel guilty anyway if they are not homesick, when what we really want them to realize is that we are proud of the way they are handling “being away from home”.

I (the parent) am homesick
Parents should also be aware that YOU will also feel “homesick” for your children and this is also normal. In fact, we actually find more HOMESICK PARENTS than children each summer! Do not pull your child into your feelings! You are a great parent, don’t forget that, and allowing your child freedom is one of the many reasons you are so great!