Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

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Homesickness can be addressed long before your child heads off to Birch Rock. By being proactive, you can make getting ready for Camp as positive as possible. Here are eight ways to help your son build his “independence muscles” and ward off anxiety before the summer even begins.

1. Arrange Practice Time Away from Home

Before the big trip to Camp, give your son the gift of a “test run.” Weekends with grandparents or sleepovers at friends’ houses help show a child he can cope with separation. These experiences deepen his independence and help him grow in confidence long before he reaches the camp driveway.

2. Pack the Trunk Together

Involve your child in the preparation by shopping for gear and packing his trunk as a team. Giving him a strong sense of ownership over his belongings helps him feel more in control and prepared for his new environment.

3. Share Your Confidence, Not Your Concerns

Children are expert observers of their parents’ emotions. Talk with your son about all the terrific things he can expect at Birch Rock, and share your own anxieties only with other adults or our Camp Directors, Rich Deering and Mike Mattson. Your confidence will become his confidence.

4. Avoid Mixed Messages

It is important not to give your son something to fret about while he is away. Avoid comments like, “I hope I remember to take care of your hamster.” Giving him a reason to worry about home will only increase the “jolt” of homesickness.

5. DON’T MAKE A “PICK-UP DEAL”

Telling your son that you’ll come get him if he’s homesick undermines his confidence and coping abilities. Instead, reassure him that the counselors and campers will help him feel better. This reinforces the idea that he is capable of overcoming challenges within a supportive community.

6. Answer the “What-If” Questions

Allow your child to talk freely about his worries. If he asks, “What if the counselors are really strict?” or “What if I get lonely?” offer coping-focused reassurances. Remind him that most counselors were once Birch Rock campers themselves and were chosen because they love teaching and helping kids.

7. Establish a Connection Through Letters

Remind him that while he is on his adventure, you will keep in touch through letters and postcards. Letting him know you can’t wait to hear his stories and read his letters provides a healthy connection to home without the need for a phone call.

8. Normalize the Adjustment Period

Tell your son that probably every camper has felt homesick at times, and that it’s completely normal. Emphasize that it always takes a few days to get the hang of it, and that patience is key. By the time he gets home, he’ll miss all those things that were strange to begin with!

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