Posted by: Birch Rock Camp

While our counselors are wizards at nurturing campers, it is a wonderful thing for a boy to have his own toolkit for building resilience. Before the trunk is dropped off and the adventure begins, share these six simple strategies with your son. They will help him take those first steps toward self-confidence and navigate the “jolt” of the unfamiliar with a steady heart.

1. The “Opening Day” Pep-Talk Letter

A wonderful way to support your son is to write a pep-talk letter for him to receive on his very first day. You can give this to a staff member on Opening Day. Having your words of encouragement to read as he settles into his cabin provides a gentle bridge between home and his new adventure on the Hillside. We’ve created a template for you to start your own letter.

2. Focus on the Fun: Activity Immersion

Encourage your son to dive headfirst into the camp routine. Getting excited about soccer, swimming, or campcraft will naturally make him feel better. When a boy focuses on the activity at hand, his mind stays on the excitement of the moment rather than drifting back toward home.

3. Stay Positive: Looking for the “Cool Stuff”

Teach your son the power of a positive outlook. Suggest that when he feels a pang of homesickness, he should think about all the cool stuff he can do at camp. Shifting the focus to fun and discovery keeps the spirit high and the anxiety at bay.

4. Reach Out: Counselors and Cabin Mates are There to Help

Remind him that he is part of a community. Suggest that if something is bothering him, talking to his cabin counselor or his cabin mates is a perfect place to start. They know all about homesickness and are there to reassure him that he is safe and among friends.

5. Shake a Hand, Make a Friend: The Art of Listening

If he is feeling a bit shy among new faces, offer this simple advice: “Try getting to know others by being a good listener.” Remind him that he doesn’t need to be everyone’s best friend. As long as he treats his fellow campers with courtesy and respect, having one or two new friends is a terrific start.

6. Keep Your Confidence: Give it Time

Independence is a journey that requires a little patience. Reassure him of these three things:

  • Stick with the Strategy: Kids who stick with their anti-homesickness strategies for a few days almost always feel better.
  • Give it Time: It always takes a few days to get the hang of it. Everything will be new at first, but soon it will feel comfortable.
  • Trust the Routine: Within a few days, the Lodge, the swim tent, and his bunk will feel like his own. He might even come home talking about “Next summer at Birch Rock…”

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