Summer camp is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, friendships, and personal growth. But for many campers—and their parents—it can also bring a touch of homesickness (for kids) and what we like to call kidsickness (for parents missing their children). If you’re preparing to send your child off to camp, you’re not alone in wondering how to help them (and yourself) adjust to time apart.

At Mountain Meadow Ranch, we see homesickness as a normal and temporary part of the camp experience. With the right preparation, campers gain confidence, resilience, and independence, while parents learn to embrace the joy of watching their child grow.

Homesickness is a natural response to being away from home, especially for first-time campers. It is not really a sickness, but a complex set of emotions. It can show up as:

• Missing family, pets, or routines
• Feeling sad at certain times of the day (like bedtime)
• Worrying about what’s happening at home
• Feeling vague and general physical symptoms, like an upset tummy or fatigue

For most kids, homesickness fades as they settle in, engage in camp activities, and make connections with fellow campers and staff. Camp staff are trained to support campers through these feelings, helping them focus on friendships, fun, and the present moment.

On the flip side, many parents experience what we call kidsickness—missing your child when they’re away at camp. It’s normal to wonder:

• Are they making friends?

• Are they eating enough?

• Do they miss me as much as I miss them?

Rest assured, your camper is growing, thriving, and creating lifelong memories. And if there’s ever a real concern, your camp’s staff will reach out.

Ask questions that invite them to share their camp stories. “What’s your favorite part of camp so far?” or “Tell me about your new friends!” These open-ended questions will encourage your camper to write back, sharing all the fun and memorable moments they’re experiencing.

Acknowledging with your camper the potential for homesickness can be a great first step in preparing for it. Like other feelings, once we acknowledge their existence they can become a lot less scary and more manageable. This would be a good time to brainstorm some strategies they can try once at camp if homesickness strikes:

• Reach out for support – their counselors and directors are here for them!
• Keep a journal of their adventures to share when they get home.
• Stay engaged in the present – losing yourself in the fun of camp is a great way to move through the hard feelings of homesickness. 

One of the best ways to help your child have a great time is by speaking with positivity and confidence. Let them know you believe in them and that they’re going to be an amazing camper! Encourage them to use any tools you developed together. Avoid making “deals” about picking them up early—kids who feel homesick may latch onto that promise instead of learning to work through their feelings. Instead, remind them that you know they’ve got this and that camp is a place to try new things, make friends, and have the best summer ever!

Sending encouraging letters full of positive vibes are another great way to help your camper, and you, once camp begins!

For parents experiencing kidsickness, we strongly encourage you to not let the camp session creep up without any preparation or tools. Some ideas:

• Plan ahead. Book a trip, event, or something else during camp so you have something to 1) look forward to, and 2) help the time pass with joy. This can be a full two-week adventure, a short weekend getaway, a staycation, a spa day, a new class, even a dinner date with friends you don’t often get to see. Planning ahead can also look like having the tools to employ when the panic and worry strikes while your child is at camp.

• Connect with other camp parents. Do you have a circle of friends and family that you typically go to for support? Do you have other friends/family that send their kids to camp over the summer? Having relationships with other people making similar family choices can help build your confidence and excitement about something that might be new and unknown.

• Enjoy the simple things. Life with kids can be downright busy. Maybe you haven’t had a chance to enjoy your patio or garden all summer, maybe you have a book you’ve been dying to crack into. Maybe your “plan ahead” is to intentionally keep your week free.
• Tackle a project. Some camp families find great success in scheduling a small home or personal project during the camp time. This could be a diy home improvement project, organizing a junk drawer/closet, or catching up on appointments. The explicit time-frame can create accountability to accomplish the task.

Resist the urge to say ahead of time, or write once they’re at camp: “If you’re sad, I’ll come get you.” This can make homesickness worse. Instead, remind them that they’re strong, capable, and supported. 

Resist the urge to say ahead of time, or write once they’re at camp: “If you’re sad, I’ll come get you.” This can make homesickness worse. Instead, remind them that they’re strong, capable, and supported. 

You’re not alone in preparing for camp! There are great resources available to help you and your camper navigate camp with confidence. Check out these expert-recommended books, podcasts, and articles to set your family up for success:

Books:

• Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow – Michael Thompson

• Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults – Audre Monkey

Podcasts:

• Sunshine Parenting – Featuring episodes on raising independent kids and preparing for camp.

Helpful Reads:

• Mountain Meadow’s Blog with tips and tricks for Camp Success

• American Camp Association’s Guide to Homesickness – Expert advice from the national camp association

Every summer, we see campers go from feeling unsure to laughing, exploring, and forming lifelong friendships within days. A little homesickness is just part of the journey—and it leads to big personal growth.

By preparing in advance and staying positive, you’re giving your child the gift of independence, resilience, and a summer they’ll never forget.

If you have any questions or need extra reassurance, we’re here for you! Reach out anytime—we love helping families feel prepared, excited, and confident about camp.