Homesickness

Unfortunately, homesickness is a common and sometimes unavoidable road block during a camp session. The feeling tends to strike during downtime between activities and at night before bed. We have found that two things are best when dealing with a homesick camper: Distraction and Sleep. Giving them something to keep their mind off being homesick is a great way to help campers. 

What is homesickness?

Distress or impairment caused by actual or anticipated seperation from home. It is seen as strong longing and preoccupation with home, people or objects.  When we feel homesick, we're feeling insecure or uncomfortable with where we are physically and emotionally.

Homesickness is temporary - a homesick camper can still be a happy camper!

Common symptoms:

• Crying

• Anxiety

• Withdrawn behavior

• Acting Out

More than 95% of all campers report having homesick feelings at least one day of camp. Normal homesickness is the discomfort we feel in a new place, people or experience. 

Severe homesickness is prolonged, increased symptoms.  Only 20% of campers report moderate to severe feelings of homesickness.

Homesickness Prevention

1. Welcome your campers and make them feel comfortable with new spaces and routines.

2. Keep them busy - but make sure it's fun.

3. Build connections - help campers build friendships with other campers.

4. Promote a connection to home - write letters or emails home. But NO phone calls!

Dealing with a Homesick Camper

1. Check in but keep a time limit - hear their concerns but don't dwell 

2. Promote a connection to home - write letters or emails home. But NO phone calls!

3. Distraction - do something fun to distract their minds away from home

4. Future Oriented - find something later on in the week the camper is excited about

5. Sleep- if it is the evening time campers need to go to sleep. 

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