Travel Tips

Kids Leave Home

Homesickness is a feeling that anyone can feel A strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety or homesickness is a normal part of childhood. It is appropriate, in loving, trusting family. Because your child loves and feels secure with you, separation can be scary and uncomfortable

At a Summer Camp a camper knows that separation is followed by reunion, but emotionally, it can be difficult to accept. When in the midst of adjusting to living with new people in a new environment, children can get overwhelmed. Even for children who enjoy new adventures and love sleepovers with friends and relatives, a short bout of homesickness is a common reaction.

As parent it’s important not to measure your success by by your child’s homesickness. Don’t feel as if your child is not independent just because your child is having a difficult time adjusting to summer camp. It may be difficult to understand how hard your child finds the first few days at camp. For them often it seems that he will never see you again. Be sure to rationally look at your child’s reactions. Often kids are just looking for a reassuring hug

Homesickness is not about your child loving or trusting you enough, or about her independence or willingness to take risks. Homesickness is a temporary feeling that can be beaten with the support of camp staff. Beating homesickness it is a huge boost to to a childs self-confidence and self esteem. Helping kids get over home sickness is what camps do well. Be Sure to talk to the director if you feel this may be an issue for your child

Should you ever give up? Sure, but don’t act to quickly, unless you feel their is a problem more than just homesickness. Feelings of failure often accompanies those who return early. Sometimes, a child is just not ready for camp even with the best of intentions and efforts on the parents and camp. Especially, when it’s just not a good fit. If, after a week or ten days with the best efforts of your camp, your child is clearly not adjusting, it may be time to bring your camper home. Usually going for a visit does not help the situation.

Talk to the camp director about your decision to to bring your child home. Support your child fully through what they feel is a failure. Reevaluation is best saved for many days after the return. You need to figgure it out with them. Help your child to understand that even though it did not work, he is not a failure. Suggest another sleepaway camp program at another time because you have confidence in him.

A uniqnue SLEEPAWAY CAMP , Swift Nature Camp offers a program designed only for first time campers. This Discovery Camp works because during the 12 days it allows camper to move past homesickness and into self confidence. This program limits campers to about 50 with 6 in a cabin with 2 or 3 staff. All campers are here for their first time, setting a level playing field for all campers. If your child is a little reluctant to leave home, look for a program that is especially designed only for first time campers

Picking a summer camp is no easy task learn more at Summer Camp Advice a guide for Home Sickness

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp. This Minnesota Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 promotes Nature, Animals & Science along with Adventure activities. Swift specializes in programs for teens as well as Adventure New To Summer Camp Programs.

© 2010 Travel Oversea.