Tag: mental health

Three girls laughing together while tubing on the lake at camp

How Do Camps Handle Homesickness or Mental Health?

April 29, 2026 creativenavadmin

Well-run camps handle homesickness through trained counselors, structured routines, and proactive check-ins in the first few days, and handle broader mental health needs by working with an on-site health team, keeping communication open with parents, and having a clear plan for when additional support is needed. Most homesickness is mild and temporary; camps that take it seriously as a normal, expected part of the experience — rather than an inconvenience — tend to support campers through it most effectively.

It’s one of the most common worries parents have: how will my child handle being away from home, and what happens if it’s harder than expected? Here’s what to know about how camps actually approach homesickness and emotional wellbeing.

How Camps Typically Handle Homesickness

Proactive first-days support. Many camps expect some homesickness in the first 24-72 hours and build in extra check-ins, buddy pairings, and staff attention during that window rather than waiting for a problem to surface.
Counselor training specific to homesickness. Staff at well-run camps are trained to recognize the difference between normal early adjustment and something that needs more support, and to respond with reassurance and engagement rather than dismissing it.
Structured distraction and connection. Keeping campers engaged in activities and helping them form even one early friendship is one of the most effective tools camps use — idle time tends to make homesickness worse.
Clear communication policies. Camps vary in how much contact they allow with home during a session. Ask in advance what the policy is, since too much contact can sometimes make adjustment harder, while too little can worry parents unnecessarily.

How Camps Support Broader Mental Health Needs

Beyond typical homesickness, many camps also have processes for supporting campers with diagnosed anxiety, ADHD, or other mental health considerations:

Ask directly whether the camp’s health center or leadership team includes staff trained in mental health support, and what their process is for ongoing needs (such as medication management).
Share relevant information with the camp in advance — most camps have a health history form specifically so staff can be prepared, not caught off guard.
Ask what the camp’s plan is if a camper needs more support than on-site staff can provide, including communication with parents and, if necessary, a plan for additional care.

A camp counselor walks hand-in-hand with a young camper near the cabins

Questions to Ask a Camp Director

What does a typical approach to a homesick camper look like day by day?
At what point would you contact us if our child was struggling to adjust?
Does your staff have training in youth mental health or anxiety support?
What is your policy on phone calls, letters, or other contact with home during a session?

A group of campers sharing a warm group hug at camp

How Parents Can Help Before the Summer

Talking openly with your child about what to expect — including that feeling a little homesick is normal, even for kids who end up loving camp — tends to help more than reassurance that nothing will feel hard. Sending a few pre-written letters, agreeing on a realistic communication plan with the camp, and giving your child a small comfort item from home can also ease the first few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for kids to get homesick at camp?

Yes — mild homesickness in the first few days is extremely common, even among kids who go on to have a great summer. It usually eases as new routines and friendships form.

When should I be more concerned about my child’s homesickness?

If homesickness doesn’t improve after several days, or is paired with signs of significant distress, talk directly with the camp’s staff about next steps. Camps with clear homesickness protocols will have a plan for exactly this situation.

Should I tell the camp if my child has anxiety or another mental health condition?

Yes. Sharing this information in advance, through the camp’s health forms or directly with staff, helps them prepare and support your child proactively rather than reactively.

This article is intended as general information, not medical or mental health advice. If you have specific concerns about your child’s mental health, consult your child’s pediatrician or a licensed mental health professional.

Learn More Before You Choose a Camp

Read our guide to camp safety questions for more on evaluating staff training and support, or browse our partner summer camps to compare programs.

Mental Health Benefits of Summer Camp

November 8, 2022 Brian Dodson

Sleepaway camp is a raucous, active place throughout the summer. Water skiers rush across the lake on any given day at camp, volleys bounce off the tennis courts, and guitar-strumming counselors lead campers in rounds of songs. It’s a big shift from everyone’s more sedentary habits at home, but the advantages of overnight camp’s full schedule of activities go beyond exercise and sing-alongs. Every summer, there is also a tremendous transition among campers, many of whom get a significant psychological boost.

Summer camp is one area that can help eliminate the roots of a child’s anxiety and despair that might be prevalent at home when children’s mental health issues continue to rise. A psychologist offers the following ways summer camp might help your child’s mental health.

Human Connection

Camp is the most highly social setting available, especially when contrasted to the numerous virtual experiences our children get at home. Being able to be out of the house all the time, living with other people, and feeling so much more connected to not just individuals your age, but also to the counselors and the camp family — the parents and dads of camp — having that in person, intensive social environment is significant.

It’s also an opportunity for genuine encounters, rather than ones that take place through text, when youngsters might be more cruel or distant, whether on purpose or not. Youngsters don’t always know how to communicate to one other face to face. During camp, social indicators like body language and eye contact help children understand what it’s like to be truly connected and foster more compassionate dialogue.

A Break From Social Media

Being at camp entails a vacation from social media and the associated fear of missing out (FOMO). A youngster can be much more aware of being left out of things on platforms like Life360, which can be quite distressing. And apps like Instagram place disproportionate emphasis on beauty and appearance.

While camp photographers do chronicle their stay at camp, such photographs are exclusively available to parents at home. There’s no peer pressure from within a social media platforms, so they get a big break from it all.

Break The Ties to Phones

Not only do students receive a vacation from social media, but they also get a respite from the continual pressures of reacting to peers on their phones. “There’s a lot of strain, especially on teens. I see that a lot in senior and upper camp; there might be a lot of pressure at home to always be on their phones, to not miss Snap[chat], to not ignore liking someone’s Instagram photo, to not ignore text messages.” According to a camp psychologist.

Immersing in Nature

Sleepaway camp also provides much-needed time in nature. Time spent in nature has been linked to reduced stress and improved happiness.

Physical Activity

Even children who are resistive to exercise and avoid sports are extremely active at camp — and, as studies often remind us, exercise helps battle sadness, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

(Temporary) Separation From Parents

This may come as a surprise, but your children benefit from being apart from you as well.

We have a tendency to micromanage our children’s relationships, friendships, and hobbies, as well as their academic performance, and we know it. Our children deserve and, more importantly, benefit from a respite from the pressures of helicopter parenting.

For kids to not feel like we’re watching them and protecting them, we’re empowering them and teaching them how to manage all of these things. This, in turn, encourages independence and more mature thinking — and teaches children that there are other role models in the world besides their parents.

Screen-Free Summers: Why This Is Good For Campers

June 16, 2022 Brian Dodson

Summer camp is a special time for children to make new friends, try new activities, and develop important life skills. However, with the rise of digital devices and screens, it can be challenging for children to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. That’s why many summer camps have adopted policies that restrict or eliminate screen time during camp sessions. In this article, we’ll explore how disconnecting from screens and devices during summer camp can help kids develop friendships.

Encourages face-to-face interaction

When children are allowed to use screens and devices during camp, they may be more likely to spend time with their eyes glued to a screen rather than interacting with their peers. By disconnecting from screens, children are encouraged to engage in face-to-face interaction with their fellow campers. This not only helps children develop social skills, but it also allows them to form deeper connections with their peers.

Fosters a sense of community

Summer camp is all about building a sense of community, and disconnecting from screens is one way to achieve this. When children are not distracted by screens, they are more likely to engage in camp activities and interact with their peers. This creates a positive atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork, where everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Provides opportunities for shared experiences

When children disconnect from screens, they are able to fully immerse themselves in the camp experience. This includes participating in camp activities, exploring the outdoors, and forming bonds with their peers. By sharing these experiences, children are able to develop a sense of camaraderie and friendship that may not be possible if they were distracted by screens.

Encourages creativity and imagination

Screens and devices can be a source of entertainment, but they can also limit a child’s creativity and imagination. When children disconnect from screens, they are forced to find other ways to entertain themselves and engage with their surroundings. This may include exploring nature, playing games, or participating in arts and crafts activities. By encouraging creativity and imagination, children are able to develop a unique perspective on the world and form meaningful connections with their peers.

Reduces distractions

Finally, disconnecting from screens can reduce distractions and allow children to focus on the present moment. This not only helps children develop important life skills like mindfulness and self-awareness, but it also allows them to fully engage with their peers and form meaningful friendships.

In conclusion, disconnecting from screens and devices during summer camp can have a positive impact on children’s social development. By encouraging face-to-face interaction, fostering a sense of community, providing opportunities for shared experiences, encouraging creativity and imagination, and reducing distractions, children are able to fully immerse themselves in the camp experience and form meaningful friendships that may last a lifetime.

How Camps Typically Handle Homesickness

How Camps Support Broader Mental Health Needs

Questions to Ask a Camp Director

How Parents Can Help Before the Summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for kids to get homesick at camp?

When should I be more concerned about my child’s homesickness?

Should I tell the camp if my child has anxiety or another mental health condition?

Learn More Before You Choose a Camp

Human Connection

A Break From Social Media

Break The Ties to Phones

Immersing in Nature

Physical Activity

(Temporary) Separation From Parents

Encourages face-to-face interaction

Fosters a sense of community

Provides opportunities for shared experiences

Encourages creativity and imagination

Reduces distractions

Summer Camper Guide to US Overnight Camps