Summer Camp Guide for Fairfax Parents | Help Kids Thrive

Fairfax parents can help their children manage homesickness at summer camp through preparation, thoughtful communication, and building confidence, according to strategies from YMCA Camp Abnaki's Camp Advocate Pronto Parenteau.

Prepare Before Departure

Talk with children about missing home before camp starts. Normalize the feeling as part of the experience. Avoid promising to pick them up if they're unhappy, which can undermine adjustment. Practice overnight stays at a grandparent's or friend's house to build comfort with separation.

Involve children in packing so they know where their belongings are. Ensure they can shower, brush their teeth, and manage laundry independently.

Write Letters, Not Phone Calls

Keep letters brief and focused on the camp experience. Ask specific questions: "What was the funniest thing that happened at lunch?" or "Have you tried the climbing wall yet?" Skip details about home activities that trigger FOMO.

Honor the camp's no-phone policy. A parent's voice can upset children even when they're having a good day. If a sad letter arrives, check the postmark first—mail takes 2-3 days, so the child's mood may have shifted. Respond with encouragement rather than rescue: "It sounds like the first few days were tough, but I'm proud of you for trying new things." Contact the camp director if concern persists.

Make the Cabin Feel Like Home

Let children pack a familiar pillowcase or small stuffed animal as a comfort item. A headlamp makes navigating dark cabins less scary. Encourage the buddy system—cabin-mates likely share the same feelings, and looking out for others provides distraction.

Homesickness often strikes during quiet times like rest hour or bedtime. Children should bring a book or deck of cards for these moments. Remind them that the counselor is trained to help during difficult moments.

Focus on Growth at Home

When children return, celebrate the challenges they overcame, not just the fun they had. This reinforces resilience and self-reliance.