How to Prevent Homesickness

Our goal at camp is to make sure that every child that attends has a safe, fun and positive experience.  As parents you can help with the process of preparing your child prior to her arrival.   

Have you completed the "Parent & Camper Quiz" in the back of the camp brochure or on our website at www.gswny.org  to determine whether or not both parent and child are ready for summer camp?    

Make sure your child is part of the decision making process.  

            A.  Where to go to camp?

            B.  How long to stay at camp?

            C.  What is the program they will be partaking in?

Have your child practice being away from home prior to attending camp.  Perhaps have them stay at a friend or relatives home for a day, night or weekend.  Please do not promise to pick your child up early from camp.  This can add to the perception of "going home".    Use a calendar at home to show that the time spent at camp is not an eternity, but actually a very short amount of time.   

Communicate before, during (e-mails or letters) and after the camp experience.   Please do not promise your daughter that she can call home while she is at camp.  This can make the situation much worse.  If a camper is having a difficult time, the camp staff will contact the parent.  If you are concerned about your daughter, we encourage parents to call camp and speak to the camp director.   She will work with you in assuring your daughter is having a good time.   

Spend quality time with your child upon returning home from camp to "reconnect" after the separation period.   

Here are some additional links to assist you with questions or concerns about preventing homesickness, how to prepare you and your child for camp, etc.   

Bob Ditter - M.Ed., LCSW
Bob Ditter is a senior level clinical social worker who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents and their families. You can lean more about Bob by visiting his website at www.bobditter.com

Michael Brandwein - Speaker, Educator and Author 
Michael has over 25 years experience working with youth in many different settings.  See what he has to say "communication and children", "teaching essential life skills to our youth', and much more at www.michaelbrandwein.com.

American Camp Association – (ACA)
ACA is an organization of camp professionals that share their knowledge and experience to ensure the quality of camp programs.  Check out their parent link at www.acacamps.org.