Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

Starting sleepaway camp is a pivotal event in a boy’s life. It’s a thrilling launch out of the family nest, into a magical world of campfires, Capture the Flag and hallowed Birch Rock traditions.

But in the first couple of days, many new campers face the unfamiliar—new bunk mates, cabin cleanups, and camp food—with some degree of homesickness.

The staff at Birch Rock understands these issues and strives to ease the pangs as quickly as possible and get campers out having a blast. Our goal, summer after summer, is to ensure both campers and their parents feel happy, confident and informed. Here is how we support your son’s experience:

Warm Drop-off Experience

From day one, staff are focused on helping campers settle in, get to know their cabin mates and feel ready to go. Here are some details:

  • You and your son’s arrival at Camp is time for warm and welcoming personal attention. A time will be arranged for you to pull up in your car at Chief’s, the cabin that houses Camp Director Mike Mattson and his family. Birch Rock’s main office is on the lower level of Chief’s.
  • You will be greeted outside Chief’s by the Head Counselor and directed where to park your car. Counselors will greet you and your son and take his trunk and other belongings off to his assigned cabin.
  • Your whole family will meet with Director Mike Mattson and your son’s cabin counselor.
  • You and your camper will meet privately with the Camp nurse to go over forms, medications, and any health questions in Chief’s.
  • After the conversations have wrapped up, your son’s cabin counselor will whisk him away to meet his new cabin mates and set up his bunk.
  • Parents will get into their cars and head back up Birch Rock’s driveway. In our experience, it’s on the drive away from Camp that parents tend to get emotional. The young campers have said their goodbyes to upbeat moms and dads and don’t see their parents wiping away tears!

Proactive Parent Updates

You won’t have to wonder how he is doing. Birch Rock directors will call you a few days after your camper starts his session to provide a personal update on how your son is adjusting to camp life.

The Cabin Community and Teamwork

Your son will join a small, supportive cabin community. From daily cabin inspections to team activities, we emphasize cooperation and mutual support. This bonding experience teaches boys that they are part of an amazing team, from the youngest camper to the oldest staff member.

The Power of Unplugged Independence

To foster true resilience, Birch Rock maintains a policy of not permitting campers to call home (except in emergencies). Decades of experience have shown that boys conquer homesickness much faster when they fully immerse themselves in the camp experience rather than tethering themselves to home via the phone.

Expert Mentorship and Personal Attention

Every boy is closely observed and well-known by the staff and his fellow campers. Our counselors are experienced, patient, and specially trained “wizards” at helping boys navigate homesickness and transform discomfort into a can-do attitude.

Camp is an excellent place to learn how to cope with a little discomfort. Your son will quickly discover that “roughing it” brings massive rewards in terms of adventure and excitement.This is the first of many steps your son will take on his path toward self-confidence, resilience, and self-reliance. We at Birch Rock Camp are honored to guide him through this transformative journey.

Was this article helpful? View the full summer camp homesickness guide.