Homesickness at Camp: Prevention, Coping & What Parents Should Know
Homesickness is normal, common, and usually temporary. But it can feel devastating in the moment—for your child and for you. Here's how to prepare, cope, and when to be genuinely concerned.
Reassuring Fact
Research shows that 83% of children experience some homesickness, but 95% adjust within the first 2-3 days. Homesickness is a sign of healthy attachment, not weakness. And it's highly responsive to the strategies in this guide.
💭What Homesickness Really Is
Homesickness isn't about the home itself—it's about the loss of what's familiar and predictable. When children go to camp, they leave behind their routines, comfort items, the people they trust, and their sense of control.
Common Symptoms:
Emotional
- • Sadness or crying
- • Anxiety or nervousness
- • Irritability
- • Withdrawal from activities
Physical
- • Stomach aches
- • Headaches
- • Difficulty sleeping
- • Loss of appetite
Important Distinction
Homesickness is not the same as clinical anxiety or depression.It's a normal, temporary response to being in an unfamiliar environment. Most children work through it within days as the camp becomes familiar.
🛡️Prevention: Before Camp
The best cure for homesickness is prevention. Research shows that preparation significantly reduces homesickness intensity and duration.
1. Practice Separations
Gradually increase time away from home: sleepovers with grandparents, friends, or family. Start months before camp with overnight stays, building to 2+ nights.
2. Visit the Camp
If possible, tour the camp before attending. Let your child see where they'll sleep, eat, and play. Take photos they can review before camp starts.
3. Involve Them in Decisions
Children who have a say in choosing their camp and packing their bags feel more control—which reduces anxiety.
4. Discuss Feelings Openly
Acknowledge that it's normal to feel nervous or sad. Teach coping strategies: deep breathing, thinking about fun activities, talking to counselors.
5. Create a Comfort Plan
Send a special comfort item (small stuffed animal, family photo). Write out coping strategies on a card they can keep. Plan something to look forward to after camp.
What NOT to Do:
- ✗ Don't make "pick-up deals." ("If you hate it, call and I'll get you") This gives them an escape route that undermines commitment.
- ✗ Don't minimize their feelings. ("You'll be fine, don't be silly") Validate, then encourage.
- ✗ Don't transfer your anxiety. If you're nervous, they'll feel it. Project confidence.
🏕️Coping Strategies: During Camp
Teach your child these strategies before camp. Practice them together so they feel natural when needed.
Stay Busy
Homesickness is worst during downtime. Jump into activities. The busier you are, the less time to miss home.
Talk to Someone
Counselors are trained to help. It's okay to tell them you're feeling sad. They won't judge—they've seen it many times.
Focus on Now
Instead of counting days until home, focus on today. What's one fun thing you can do right now?
Deep Breathing
When feeling anxious: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4. Repeat 5 times.
Look at Comfort Items
Family photos, a small item from home, letters from parents—these provide comfort without requiring a phone call.
Make a Friend
Find one person to connect with. Having even one friend transforms the camp experience.
👨👩👧For Parents: What You Can Do
If the Camp Calls:
- →Listen to the camp's assessment. They've handled this hundreds of times. Trust their experience.
- →Don't immediately come get them. This reinforces that leaving is the solution to discomfort.
- →Ask for a plan. What will the camp do to help? When will they update you?
- →Give it time. Most homesickness resolves within 48-72 hours.
Resist the Urge to Call
Most camps discourage parent phone calls because they often trigger homesicknessrather than resolve it. Hearing your voice reminds them of what they're missing. Write letters instead—they provide comfort without interrupting adjustment.
✉️Letters That Help (and Hurt)
Write This:
- ✓ "We're so proud of you for trying new things!"
- ✓ "What activities have you tried?"
- ✓ "The dog did the funniest thing yesterday..." (small news)
- ✓ "We can't wait to hear your stories when you get home!"
- ✓ "You are brave and capable."
Avoid This:
- ✗ "We miss you SO much!" (makes them feel guilty)
- ✗ "The house is so empty without you."
- ✗ "Your sister cries every night."
- ✗ "Only 5 more days!" (countdown = focus on ending)
- ✗ "Call us if you need to come home."
⚠️When to Be Concerned
Most homesickness resolves quickly. But some situations warrant closer attention:
Contact the Camp If:
- → Symptoms persist beyond 5-7 days with no improvement
- → Your child refuses to eat or sleep for extended periods
- → They express thoughts of self-harm (rare but serious)
- → The camp says they're unable to participate in any activities
- → Your child has a history of clinical anxiety and symptoms are escalating
When Early Pickup Makes Sense:
In rare cases, early pickup is the right choice. This includes: severe mental health crisis, physical illness unrelated to homesickness, or when the camp's professional staff recommends it after exhausting other options. This is NOT a failure—some children need more time to be ready.
The Bottom Line
Homesickness is normal, temporary, and manageable. With proper preparation, most children work through it within days and go on to have wonderful camp experiences. Your job is to prepare them, trust the process, and resist the urge to rescue them from discomfort—because working through discomfort is exactly how they grow.