You don't have to be a camper, or a child to suffer from homesickness. When anyone is in a strange, new place, even if it is exciting and fun, it is normal to miss home. Separation anxiety is a normal part of childhood. It is developmentally appropriate, is evidence of the loving, trusting relationship you have built with your child. Because your child loves and trusts you, separation can be scary.

A Summer Camp provides separation followed by a reunion. Yet, emotionally, it can be difficult to accept especially for children. Early on while adjusting to a new environment and living with new folks, children can get overwhelmed and even scared. Kids who enjoy new adventures and love sleepovers with friends may experience homesickness but usually it is limited.

Regardless of outcome, don't measure success as a parent by your child's adjustment to camp. Should your child do well and not feel homesick does not mean that they do not love you and need you. Also, if your child does poorly adjusting to camp, it does not mean that you have failed to create an independent child. For some campers , it feels as if they may never see you again . Be sure to put your child's reaction into context, often all they need is comfort and reassurance that all is ok.

Homesickness is not about your child loving or trusting you enough, or about her independence or willingness to take risks. Homesickness is a temporary feeling that can be beaten with the support of camp staff. Beating homesickness it is a huge boost to to a childs self-confidence and self esteem. Helping kids get over home sickness is what camps do well. Be Sure to talk to the director if you feel this may be an issue for your child

There are times that with a great deal of thought and awareness a choice is made to bring your child home. Failure is a feeling that often is associated with an early leaving of camp. Sometimes a child is just not ready for camp or the camp is just not a good fit. If, after a real trial (7-10 days), and your child is not getting better, it's time to make that trip to camp.

Talk to the camp director about your decision to to bring your child home. Support your child fully through what they feel is a failure. Reevaluation is best saved for many days after the return. You need to figgure it out with them. Help your child to understand that even though it did not work, he is not a failure. Suggest another sleepaway camp program at another time because you have confidence in him.

The Beginner's Guide To Taking Your Family Camping

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight summer camp. This Minnesota Camp for Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 promotes Nature, Animals and Science along with Adventure activities. Swift specializes in programs for teens as well as Adventure New To Summer Camp Programs.