Homesickness

Many parents have concerns about homesickness when sending their camper to TVRC for the first time. The first summer at TVRC is often a camper’s first time spending extended time away from home independent from their parents, which commonly causes anxious or hesitant feelings heading into the summer. We believe, however, that almost every camper will not only be able to cope with being away from home but will also thrive and build resilience as they push themselves independently. We ask you, our camper parents, to be our partners when helping your camper overcome homesickness. Below, we outline steps you can take ahead of camp that will set your campers up for success. We have also included several ways you can help while your camper is at camp.

-Encourage independence in your camper at home as much as possible. Have them spend a night or two at a friend’s or cousin’s house so they can simulate the camp environment by being away from the comforts of home.

-Involve your camper in the process of choosing to attend TVRC. Visit the website with them and look at the pictures. Visit our YouTube channel and watch our promotional videos or slideshows from past years. The more they feel they are making the choice along with you, the more ownership they will feel once they arrive.

-Discuss what camp might be like before they leave. Consider role-playing situations like setting up a tent in the backyard or using a flashlight to find the bathroom at night.

-Talk candidly with your camper about the struggles they may face by being away from home. It is okay to tell them they will miss home, but it is also important for them to understand it is normal and that they can have a wonderful time despite that.

-Do not give them “an out.” Do not say, “try it for a week, and if you don’t like it we will come pick you up.” Your camper may be having a wonderful time, but if they have it in their mind that they are going home after a week, they will hold you to that expectation.

-Pack personal items from home such as photos of friends and family or a stuffed animal they are especially fond of.

-Pack bedding items to make sure they are comfortable in their bunk. Include a comfortable pillow and pillow case they love, sheets, and nice warm blankets or a comforter. Sleeping bags are wonderful and warm on the trail, but we want campers to feel at home in their cabins while at the Ranch.

-Write often! Whether it be a daily email or regular letters, keep the communication coming. Stay away from mentioning everything they are missing at home. Rather, refer to the daily Campanion photos you see. Instead of saying, “We went to Grandma’s house yesterday and everyone missed you,” say, “I saw you went on a trail ride yesterday at camp. How fun!” This communication lets your camper know you are aware of what they are doing at camp and that you are excited for everything they are experiencing.

-Avoid trying to call and talk to your camper. We discourage phone calls to campers from home, especially in homesick situations. Hearing a parent’s voice can make the situation worse. Write instead!

-If there is something difficult happening at home, try and leave that out of your communications when possible. The family may be heartbroken that the dog has passed away, but that is information that might be better received after camp when your camper has the support of home and family.

-Don’t feel guilty about signing up a reluctant child for camp or encouraging them to stay once the going gets hard. For many children, camp is the first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.

-Communicate with the Camp Directors about your camper’s homesick struggles. If you consistently receive letters from your camper that are concerning, please call camp and let us know. Sometimes, your camper will put on a brave face with their cabin mates and counselors, but if you are concerned, we want to know about it.

Very few homesickness cases are bad enough for the camper to go home. However, if your camper is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression, camp may not be the safest place for them. The American Camp Association research has shown that only 7% of really severe cases lead to needing to go home (TVRC’s numbers are even better!). If the camp directors are concerned about your camper, we will be in touch with you directly.

Kidsickness

Just as it is common (and likely) for your camper to experience some homesickness, it is equally common for you as parents to experience some level of “kidsickness”. Having some anxiety around your camper going to camp is normal and to be expected. Remember that sending your camper to camp is giving them a gift that they will carry around with them for their lifetime. Here are some ways you can help yourself while your camper is away:

-WRITE LETTERS! This is the best way to stay connected with your camper. No matter if this is your child’s first summer at camp, or they are a seasoned Trailblazer, every camper loves to get letters from home.

-Remember that your camper is capable of doing hard things, and so are you. Your ability to handle the discomfort of having your camper away from home will provide a great example for your camper as they are adjusting to their new life at camp.

-Take care of yourself. Go on that trip you’ve been putting off. Have a spa day. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. While we are taking care of your camper, take some time for yourself!

-Spend some time looking at photos of your camper! Our photographers upload photos regularly to Campanion, where you can see all the fun your camper is having during their time with us. Keep in mind that if your camper is on a trip, we will not have photos of them to upload until they return to the Ranch.