From a counselor's perspective... Mar 20 '01    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet The Bottom Line These are some ways to help, but know that if homesickness occurs, the counselor is there to help you son or daughter! As a child, I started going to camp in fourth grade, and have not stopped. Those first three years, I would become homesick by the middle of the week, crying to my counselor to let me go home. By the end of the week, when my parents came to pick me up, I was sobbing because I wanted to stay at camp. Each year I begged my parents to let me go to camp. And every year for the first three years, I became homesick by the middle of the week. Now I am a camp counselor (for 3 summers now), and have experienced homesick campers. I have seen everything from tears and upset stomachs to the facade of anger. Children who may even appear to be having a great time are later found to have written a letter home to mom and dad saying they hate camp. First, I want to tell parents that helping their child stay away is good. I have seen college kids really struggle with homesickness as they have never been away from home in their life. Summer camp is a great way to help your children learn to be on their own in a safe environment where they are cared for by people who truly want to be there (trust me - counselors do not do it for the money). Now, here are my suggestions to helping your child to prevent homesickness. First, do not sent the letters that gush with "honey, I miss you so so so so much" or plans of your arrival at the end of the week. These types of letters cause your child to focus on you instead of the fun they are having. Rather, discuss camp. Ask questions and tell them stories if you went to camp. You may even ask them questions such as "are you remembering to brush your teeth" to make them think about their enjoyment of being independent from you for the week. Secondly, prepare your child ahead of time. Talk about their fears - especially if they are going away for the first time. Let them know that you are there for them if necessary, but also tell them that you know they'll have fun. If you've been to summer camp yourself, tell them about the fun things you did and how much you liked it. If you were homesick, be honest with your son or daughter so they understand that it is a natural thing. This really helps. Third, if your child has a familiar item they sleep with at night, make sure they take it along. The hardest thing for a child to do is try to cope at camp without that treasured bear or blanket (or whatever item it may be). Slip it in their suitcase if they have decided not to take it along - they'll thank you later. Nights are when homesickness in prone to occur because the campers lay in their bunks and dwell on the fact that they miss mom. Having that item handy may help a lot. Even if it stay in the suitcase the whole week, knowing it is there is comforting. Once your child is at camp, try to relax. Know that the counselor your child is with will deal with homesickness as it comes up. We are trained and ready to help those children who need that extra hug or one-on-one time that homesickness requires. We are more than willing to calm a camper in the middle of the night. That's our job. This is a natural feeling that many children feel, and we have all made it through. Just remember - it is easier to deal with at a younger age rather than waiting until your child is 18 to deal with it!

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