One of the biggest concerns that we hear from parents and guardians is that their camper could become homesick. While our staff are trained to handle homesickness as it occurs, there are some things that you can do as a parent or guardian to help prevent homesickness and/or make it easier for your camper to handle it when it occurs.
The first time away at camp can be scary. Your camper will be sleeping in a different bed, eating different food, and change of routines. This takes some time to get used to. It's actually normal for campers young and old to become homesick while away at camp. It's a perfectly natural reaction to all of the changes that are happening. Of course, it's also normal for you as a parent to worry about your camper. Here are a few tips that you can take to help your camper with homesickness:
1. Prepare Your Camper:
To get your camper ready for camp, make sure they are prepared. There are many different things that you can do to prepare your camper for a successful time at camp.
If your camper has never spent a night away from home, we suggest having them practice by staying over with a friend or family member. This can help make the transition of staying over at an unfamiliar place a little bit easier.
Another activity that can help prepare your camper for camp is allowing them to see what camp is like. If you're in the area, we are always happy to set up a tour prior to camp. We also have open houses in the spring. If you can't make it in person, we do have a virtual tour option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXsZUlXhBBw
We always prepare the schedules for camp in advance. We're happy to share the schedules by request. Reviewing the schedule ahead of time can help your camper have an easier time adjusting.
2. Sign-up for a Camp Pen-pal
We offer a pen pal program for our campers to write one of our staff members prior to camp. Having a pen pal can help your camper have a familliar face when they arrive at camp. It can also be an opportunity for your camper to ask questions about camp and express any concerns that they have. You can register your camper here: https://form.123formbuilder.com/5358795//
3. Send Letters
We deliver mail twice a day. Campers love receiving mail from home. We have a few different ways for you to communication with your camper.
The first way to send mail is to simply drop off mail at our mailbox at check-in. You can pre-write as many letters as you like and we will deliver them to your camper throughout the week. If you want the letters delivered on a certain day, simply write the day of the week on the envelope. Some parents also like to leave letters and packages as a surprise in their camper's suitcase.
Another way to communicate with your camper is through Camp Grams Camp Grams is a one-way communication system that allows you to type letters to your camper. We print and deliver the letters twice a day. You can even include pictures in the letters.
If you wish to send letters through the mail, make sure to allow 2-3 business days for the letters to arrive. We check the mail once in the afternoon each day. You can send letters to your camper at the following address:
Camp Evelyn
W6598 Camp Evelyn Rd
Plymouth, WI 53073
No matter how you choose to send letters to your camp, make sure to keep the messages positive. Don't talk about much fun you're having without them or about events that they are missing out on. Remind them how strong they are for attending an overnight camp session.
4. Avoid Promises or Bribes
While it meant be tempting to promise your camper that you can pick them up at any time or offer material objects for staying at camp, this isn't going to prevent your camper from feeling homesick. Instead, try making a plan with your camper of what they can do when homesickness occurs. Discuss who they can to or how they can send a letter home.
5. Involve Your Camper in the Packing Process
Involving your camper in the packing process not only helps your camper know where everything is, but it can also help them get excited to camp. Have them choose a couple of things to pack that remind them of home such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or picture.
6. Be Enthusiastic
Get your camper excited for camp. Talk about all of the fun experiences they will have and how much their confidence will grow.
7. Invite a Friend
If possible, have your camper invite a friend along. Sometimes bringing a friend along can make the transition of staying away from home a little bit easier. Girls do not need to be involved in Girl Scouts to come to camp. ALL girls are welcome to attend.
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