If I could relive any of my childhood memories, I would choose my summers at an overnight camp a thousand times over. From hot days swimming in the lake to bonfires and s’mores under the stars, sleepaway camp really does capture all the magic of childhood in just a few short weeks. It is, and will always be, the greatest gift my parents ever gave me, and the greatest gift I intend on giving my future kids.
That being said, nerves and apprehension are normal, from both parent and child. Sending your kid away to an overnight summer camp to be cared for by strangers is scary. It’s natural to worry about your child feeling sad or anxious without you, or to wonder if they’ll struggle to adjust or make new friends. Most of all, it’s difficult to accept that sleepaway camp is the time when parents are supposed to step back and let their child grow—and trust that the camp staff knows what they’re doing.
As a 10-year camper and former counselor for the youngest kids at camp, I’ve rounded up some helpful insights, tips, and tricks to help parents adjust to their children being away from them, especially parents sending their child to camp for the first time. While nothing can alleviate the anxiety completely, I hope these camper-counselor tips take some weight off your shoulders.
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The first 24 hours: excitement, chaos, and tears
Parents want to envision their kids stepping off the camp bus or leaving camp drop-off smiling and laughing. While this is sometimes true, it often looks a little more like this: nervous grins, anxious introductions, and eventually some overwhelmed tears. First-time campers have to adjust to a new place and group of people all at once, and it’s unrealistic to assume this will happen instantaneously.
First-time parents should remember: counselors train for the first day of overnight summer camp to be an emotional rollercoaster. Younger campers often get extra time to unpack their bags, tour camp, and meet their cabinmates and counselors on a more intimate level. Camp leadership wants your kiddos to feel right at home, but they know that this process can take time and patience. If you’re anxiously checking the camp website for smiling pictures of your little one—and worry when they’re missing—give them a few days. The magic will come on its own time.
What campers are really doing all day
Daily schedules can look entirely different depending on what type of overnight summer camp your child is attending. That being said, here are some general things parents can expect for their little ones: time in the lake or pool, bonding with their cabinmates and becoming stronger swimmers, hours making arts and crafts to show you when they get home, and late nights in the cabin laughing with friends and telling stories. They also may enjoy special activities like sports tournaments, capture the flag, or color war (a personal favorite of mine!). All in all, campers are busy, engaged, and fully immersed in the sleepaway camp experience from day one.
Many sleepaway camps offer sample schedules to review on their website or in their newsletters. It can be helpful for both the parent and the child to go over this sample schedule together. This way, parents have an idea of what their child may be doing at any given time while they’re away, and kids can have an idea of what to expect before they arrive. After being a counselor for first-time campers, I can confidently say structure and routine are the keys to a smooth and successful overnight summer camp experience for kids.
“Campers are busy, engaged, and fully immersed in the sleepaway camp experience from day one.”
They think about friends more than anything else
Making friends can weigh heavily on both parent and child before heading to sleepaway camp for the first time. After all, the camp experience is all about the bonds made with cabinmates. While the pressure can feel immense, sleepaway camps are designed to make forming friendships as easy as possible. Activities happen in both small and large groups, prompting time for one-on-one bonding amongst campers. Counselors also design camper programming to allow kids to explore new friendships with peers they may not have otherwise bonded with.
As adults, we sometimes forget that—for many of us—making friends felt very natural at a young age, perhaps far easier than in adulthood. Remember to trust your kiddo to spread their wings, and have faith in camp staff to make the process as easy as possible.
Exclusion and bullying are natural concerns for parents and children before heading to sleepaway camp. While no sleepaway camp can guarantee these things won’t happen at all, counselors train to recognize signs of social exclusion and bullying amongst all age groups. Some drama and disagreement are normal for kids, but feel some peace of mind knowing that if there is really a problem, counselors will know when to bring it to camp leadership, who will then notify parents if concerns continue to grow.
The weeks leading up to sleepaway camp are also a great time to talk about bullying and exclusion with your kids. Not only so they can recognize it when it’s happening to them and know when to go to an adult, but also to help them walk into camp with an open heart and mind. Leading with kindness and empathy is the best way to guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Kids can be homesick (and happy) at camp
If you take any insights from this list seriously, let it be this one. No parent wants to imagine their child crying at camp, missing them, and wishing they were home. But homesickness really is the most natural, universal experience of sleepaway camp, especially for first-time campers. The first night in the cabin often involves counselors bouncing from bed to bed, comforting kids who are sad and miss their parents. Know that homesickness is the cornerstone of staff training, and counselors know the perfect formula to ease it: a hug, a distraction, and a reminder of exciting things to come.
Letter writing can be an emotional experience
All parents want is to hear from their kid at overnight summer camp and know that they’re happy and having fun—and we really do carve out time each day for them to write to you! However, I can’t tell you how many times I watched one of my campers have fun all day long, then sit down on their bed to write a letter and start to feel homesick. Writing home means they’re thinking about their family, which can turn into a rollercoaster of emotions. Parents often become concerned when this sadness is reflected in the letter they receive, but know this: every camper has an occasional sad moment, but very few have a sad experience. In all likelihood, the letters will get happier and happier as the session stretches on.
“Every camper has an occasional sad moment, but very few have a sad experience.”
Avoid a rescue phone call or pick up
When your child is sad, it’s the natural inclination of a parent to want to go to them. After receiving a homesick letter from your child, you may feel like you need to call the camp and speak to them. While camp leadership is always there to reassure you, often the best thing you can do for your child is to allow them the space to grow, learn, and emotionally regulate on their own. Hearing your voice on the other end of the phone may only open the emotional floodgates more and slow down their adjustment process.
Almost every child walks up to their counselor at some point and says, “I miss my parents.” If there is really a problem, camp leadership will reach out to you. Most of the time, however, it’s a natural consequence of a new environment. It can be difficult to step away and let this process unfold, but know that space and time are the best comfort you can offer your child.
They’re becoming the best version of themselves
The best part about sending your kid to an overnight sleepaway camp is watching them break out of their shell and gain a newfound sense of confidence and independence! As parents, it can be hard to distinguish this new version of your child from the ball of nerves you sent away at the start of the session.
Remember that in every picture and letter you receive, your child is taking small steps to learn more about themselves and what they’re capable of. They may write and tell you they loved a new activity you would never expect them to be interested in, or tried a new food you couldn’t get them to go within ten feet of at home. New environments and people push us out of our comfort zone and help us grow. All of these little steps are the magic of sleepaway camp at work.
Suggested summer camp packing list
Sleepaway camps send out packing lists for campers and parents months before the summer begins. Below, you’ll find some things you can expect to have on that list, as well as some additional items your child will treasure while away from home.
- A wagon for drop-off day! This makes hauling those heavy bags around so much easier.
- A clearly labeled laundry bag (some camps provide one, but not all)
- Bug bite ointment, a Bug Bite Thing, and bug repellent bracelets (always worked better than the spray for me!)
- Preventative lice spray, but know that if there is an outbreak, camp staff will treat or alert you if needed, depending on camp policy.
- Battery-powered fans and extra batteries to go with them (not all cabins have outlets)
- Extra trash bags for bedding, bathing suits, and other miscellaneous items.
- Care packages with items your child and their cabinmates will enjoy! These can include: fun snacks (but check the camp’s food policies), coloring and activity books for downtime and rainy days, face masks, lotion, nail polish, and other self-care items, friendship bracelet-making kits, or a disposable camera to help them capture precious memories!
- You can also send photos of friends, siblings, and pets with them to camp, but know your child’s sensitivities: sometimes having these things around may lead to more homesickness.
FAQs about overnight camp for kids
What are the emotional benefits of sleepaway camp?
The list of summer camp benefits really is endless. At sleepaway camp, kids learn to be more independent—both practically and emotionally—from their parents. As they try new activities and make new friends, they learn to cope and self-regulate without family around, gaining skills in communication and conflict resolution they’ll rely on for the rest of their lives. They also learn to manage their own routines and responsibilities, boosting self-confidence.
The hands-on, screen-free environment at camp also provides a well-deserved break from day-to-day pressures and overstimulation, helping children feel grounded and relaxed.
How long does homesickness usually last at overnight summer camp?
Every child is different, but for most, persistent homesickness resolves within the first week of the session. Of course, the occasional sad moment is normal for campers of all ages and can happen all throughout their time away from home. Camp staff is well-equipped to comfort your child no matter what they’re feeling. In fact, many of them were campers themselves and know exactly what your child is feeling!
Is it normal for kids to cry at sleepaway camp?
It is extremely normal for children to cry at sleepaway camp. This can happen as a result of homesickness, or even a moment of frustration or sadness throughout the day that is related to something else entirely. Keep in mind that your child is learning to emotionally regulate without their parents, and this process can take time and patience from all parties. Counselors train and prepare to deal with lots of tears on any given day. Whatever your child is feeling, they are there to help them through it.
Why isn’t my child writing letters home?
The likely culprit? They’re happy, busy, engaged, and aren’t even thinking about writing home! While this is great news, it’s natural to want to hear from your child, and most camp staff carve out downtime throughout the day for kids to write letters home. At my camp, one letter a week was required. This may not be the case across the board, but if you ever have a concern or want to check in on how your child is doing, you can call the camp and get an update from the parent liaison staff.
Should I pick my child up early from overnight summer camp?
Usually, the answer to this question is no. The emotional ups and downs of the adjustment period are normal at sleepaway camp. In fact, running to get your child at the first sign of sadness may be the worst thing you can do. Of course, there are exceptions to this. If there is truly a problem regarding health, safety, or emotional distress, camp leadership will reach out regarding their concerns. If you don’t hear from them, assume your child is doing just fine.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
