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Understanding Homesickness at Summer Camp
While your child was counting down the days until leaving for summer camp, you likely add your own countdown – one filled with excitement but also a touch of sadness at seeing your « baby » gain independence.
Then, on the fourth day, something unexpected happened: he called in tears, saying he was homesick and wanted to come home. You had prepared yourself for stories about new friendships, adventures, and fun…but not for this.
How Did This Happen?
Don’t panic. Homesickness is extremely common and a natural reaction, especially for first-time campers. Even the most enthusiastic children can suddenly feel overwhelmed when they arrive in a new environment where:
- Nothing feels familiar,
- The language is different
- Routines change,
- And they are surrounded by people they do not yet know.Your child is trying to express himself in French, adjusting to new meals, sounds, faces, and rhythms. That is a lot to manage overnight.
The good news: homesickness is almost always temporary.
Our counselors are trained to recognize the signs immediately and support each camper with empathic structure, and reassurance.
What is homesickness?
Homesickness is, above all, a normal emotional response to being separated from home and loved ones.
Almost all children – and adults! – experience it at some point.
And yes, French children get homesick too. it is truly universal.
What You Can Do from home?
Even if 500 miles suddenly feel like 500,000, you can still help tremendously.
Here are a few strategies to help your child adjust:
- Validate your child’s feelings:
Let him know you understand that it’s hard.
tell him you hear him, you support him, and you trust he will feel better soon.
- Normalize homesickness:
Children often believe they are the only ones feeling this way.
Remind him that many campers – even thoise who seem confident – also have moments of missing home. - Reassure him that these feelings will pass:
Most children feel better within 24-72 hours, once routines and friendships start to form.
When is Homesickness a problem?
In 90% of cases, it disappears naturally after a short adjustment period. It becomes a concern only when it interferes with:
- Making friends
- Sleeping
- Eating
- Making friends
- Participating in activities
- Enjoying camp life
If this happens, our team will contact you immediately. We work closely with parents whenever a situation requires extra support.
The Best at-home prevention strategies:
Spending practice time away from home, such as a long weekend at a friend’s house can definitely help.
The Best in-camp interventions for homesick campers include:
- Keeping campers engaged in activities
- Encouraging them to talk with their camp counselors
- Helping them write letters home
- Reminding them why they chose camp
- Supporting friendships and group bonding
- Teaching them coping skills and confidenceThese techniques quickly transform anxiety into empowerment.
Important Warning for Parents: The “Pick-Up Deal”
One of the biggest mistakes is saying:
“If you feel homesick, I’ll come get you.”
This unintentionally, creates doubt, undermines self-confidence, and increase the chance of real homesickness! Instead, remind your child that homesickness is normal and temporary, and that you believe he can do this!
Trust your instincts, and trust in our experience.
In rare cases, where a child does not adjust at all, after several days of continuous efforts and support, we will always work with you to find the best solution.
A Final Reassurance
You may receive a first letter filled with homesick feelings – but remember why you chose this camp. You believed we could support your child, and we can!
Homesickness can interfere with the camp experience, but it doesn’t have to. With the right preparation and guidance, your child will gain confidence, resilience, independence, and the ability to navigate future separations with ease.
This is an important life skill! And camp is one of the best places to learn it!
