Ah, yes, the age old side effect of summer camp. Homesickness is more prominent in first-time campers, however a seasoned camper may experience homesickness depending on what is happening in their social or home life. Homesickness even strikes some parents! Home is where the heart is, and when yours is at camp, you’re bound to worry! We hope you’ll find solace in knowing you and your camper are not alone. We don’t wonder if someone will become homesick each week; we count on it. We are used to it, but that doesn’t mean we take it lightly. Overcoming homesickness is a key stage in development and is one of the major benefits an overnight camp provides. Our staff is prepared to work with your child to ensure they feel safe, heard, cared for and included.
“I want to go home.” “Can I call my mom?” “Did my parents call, I know they’re probably worried about me. I should probably check in with them.” “I’m supposed to call or text every morning and evening.” “I hope my dog is doing okay.” “How many more days?” “I don’t want to stay the night, can I just come back during the daytime?”
Many of these questions are surface responses to underlying feelings of insecurity due to things such as: I miss my friends/family/pets, I’m over-stimulated or I’m tired, the food and beds are different than what I’m used to, I’m not getting along with a camper, the rules are different here than at home, I’m worried that my parents are worried, I don’t feel safe due to the difference in environments compared to my house, I miss my video games and cell phone, I haven’t meshed with my peers yet, I haven’t found a favorite activity yet, I refuse to try something new because it is different, and so on.
WMC staff is ready and prepared to help campers through this difficult time by ensuring they feel heard, problem solving and making sure they are safe and included.
What can YOU do to prevent homesickness?
Start the Camp-versation!
10 Conversations to Have Before Camp
Below is a good article with a few tips about how to cope with homesickness.
Communication:
We encourage strong communication between the camp and its guests and their parents. You can call the office or e-mail us with questions. We pride ourselves on our communication amongst staff so we recommend you contact the office directly rather than counselors as it could disrupt the flow of the day for your camper as well as the rest of the campers.
The campers have access to the office phone if needed and most of the staff carries cell phones.
Parents are encouraged to follow our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or check our photo streaming on our website to see what’s going one each day. It is difficult to get photos when you are the ones leading the events, but we try our best to keep you in the loop.
Letters from home: We highly recommend a letter from home. If you’d like to send letters to your camper, we recommend sending them a week in advance or leaving them at registration to be handed out on designated days during meal time.
You can do this with e-mail as well and we can print it off.
If it’s to be read by your camper, make the subject “Letter From Home.”
If you’re checking in with staff about your camper “Curious Parent.”
CONTACT
E-mails can be sent to: office@whitememorialcamp.com
Office Phone: 620-767-5165
Director Phone: 785-218-0230 (Justin Whittaker)
Fax: 620-767-7244
