The excitement and anticipation of going to summer camp for the first time affects both children and their parents. Parents who send their kids off to camp hope their child will have a happy time, meeting new friends, learning new skills, gaining self-confidence and learning about the outdoors. Kids look forward to the same things. But sometimes, the anticipation is tinged with worry. Parents wonder if their child will suffer homesickness or get along with other campers.
Kids worry about the same things.
It's natural for parents to worry a little. Matysik points out that it's normal for kids to get a little homesick, usually, homesickness passes as the child gets involved in activities and begins to make new friends. I think it's a good idea for parents to talk to their kids about their own camp experiences when they were young. Matysik said it might be a good idea to visit the camp in advance and encourage slightly older children to tell a first-time camper what camp is like. Parents can also ease their natural concerns about sending a child off to camp by making a point of meeting some of the staff - particularly their own child's camp counselor.