Homesickness at Camp

Your child just called, crying and begging to come home. Your heart is breaking. Before you get in the car, read this.

Here's What Most Parents Don't Know

Homesickness isn't a sign something's wrong. It's a normal response to being in a new environment away from the people you love. Research shows that 83% of campers experience some homesickness—and most push through to have an amazing experience.

The kids who struggle most are often the ones whose parents rescue them too quickly. We're going to help you avoid that trap.

What Homesickness Actually Is

Homesickness is grief—a temporary grief for the comfort and familiarity of home. It typically peaks on days 2-3 of camp (not day 1, when everything is new and exciting).

It often shows up as:

  • Crying, especially at bedtime
  • Stomachaches or headaches with no physical cause
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Fixating on wanting to call or go home
  • Saying "I hate it here" (translation: "I miss home")

What Makes Homesickness Worse

These well-meaning actions often backfire:

✗

Promising to pick them up if they're unhappy

Gives them an escape hatch to focus on instead of engaging.

✗

Calling to check on them frequently

Each call restarts the homesickness clock. Let them settle in.

✗

Writing letters that say "We miss you SO much!"

Makes them feel guilty for having fun and emphasizes what they're missing.

✗

Picking them up early at the first tearful call

Teaches them that discomfort should be avoided, not worked through.

What Actually Helps

✓

Preparation before camp

Kids who practice being away from home (sleepovers, grandparent visits) do better.

✓

A confident goodbye

Your calm confidence signals that you trust them to handle this.

✓

Letters that focus on THEM, not you

"I hope you're having fun at the lake!" beats "The house feels empty without you."

✓

Trusting the camp staff

They've helped hundreds of homesick kids. They know what works.

✓

A comfort item from home

A photo, stuffed animal, or your handwritten notes can help.

If They Call Crying

This is the hardest moment. Your instinct is to fix it, to rescue them. Here's a better script:

"I hear that you're missing home. That's really normal—lots of kids feel that way. I know you can handle this. What's one thing you're looking forward to tomorrow?"

Then:

  • Keep the call short (5-10 minutes max)
  • End on a forward-looking note, not "I love you, goodbye"
  • Trust that they'll feel better once they're back with their cabin

When to Actually Worry

Sometimes homesickness does need intervention. Contact the camp if:

  • They're not eating for multiple days
  • They're completely withdrawn and not participating in anything
  • They express thoughts of self-harm (rare, but take seriously)
  • The camp staff recommends pickup (they know when it's beyond normal)

But crying, saying they want to come home, and having a hard night? That's normal. Most kids who feel that way on Tuesday are having the time of their lives by Thursday.

On the Other Side

Here's what experienced camp parents know: kids who push through homesickness often come home with something priceless—the knowledge that they can do hard things.

That confidence stays with them far longer than the discomfort of missing home for a few days.

Looking for a Camp That Handles Homesickness Well?

Ask camps about their homesickness protocols when you're researching.

Questions to Ask Camps