5 Ways Camp Grows Grit
“It turns out that grit predicts performance better than IQ or innate talent. Grit makes our kids productive and successful because it allows them to reach their long-term goals despite life’s inevitable setbacks. This ability to overcome challenges makes them stronger and more masterful at their tasks. Moreover, the ability to cope with difficulty –…
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[ENCORE] Ep. 39: How to Handle Your Camper’s Homesickness
Visit Sunshine Parenting for more episodes & resources. Subscribe for resources and ideas for happier, more connected families. In Episode 39, Sara Kuljis (of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp and Emerald Cove Day Camp) and I continue our conversations and advice for parents new to the overnight camp experience. In Episode 37, we talked about how…
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How to Respond to a Homesick Letter from Your Camper
The Sad Letter You’re anticipating with much excitement your camper’s first letter from camp. It finally arrives, and this is what it says… “I want to come home!” “It’s awful here.” “I hate everything.” “This is worse than prison.” Your Options Option #1: Hop in your car and drive to rescue your child immediately. Option…
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Homesickness Dos & Don’ts
Resources/Related Messages for an Anxious Camper 10 Messages for a Homesick Camper Ep. 37: Tips for First-Time Camp Parents Ep. 39: How to Handle Your Camper’s Homesickness Ep. 10: Homesick & Happy with Michael Thompson Homesick & Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow, Michael Thompson Homesickness Do’s & Don’ts Do… 1.…
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10 Messages for a Homesick Camper
Many kids experience some homesickness at camp – most often the sad feelings flare up during down times like meals, rest time, or at bedtime. While they’re busy with activities and their minds are occupied, most kids feel fine and say the fun they have at camp far outweighs any sad feelings. Homesickness is a…
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Campsickness: 10 Tips for Easing the Re-entry Home
“I miss camp so much. I just got back today.” -Emma From pictures posted on Instagram in the days following camp (and for the rest of the year), the message is clear. Some kids really miss camp after they get home — a lot. The feeling of missing camp is so intense for some kids…
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Secondary Homesickness: When Your Camper doesn’t want to go BACK to Camp
“I don’t want to go back!” Two or three times each year, I get a call from a returning camper’s parent who is baffled that their once-happy camper is now saying she doesn’t want to return to camp. From what the parent saw and heard last summer, camp was a great experience. So why is…
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Should I Make my Kid go to Camp?
I get asked this question frequently, so I’ve created a grid to help you make the decision. Just see what box you and your child fall in, the grid will tell you “yes,” or “no,” and your camp decision is made. Simple as that! Okay, it’s really not that simple. For some families, the camp…
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Homesickness Help
Homesickness is an emotion that most campers feel to some degree at camp. Fortunately, in most cases, the fun and excitement of camp far outweigh any sad feelings. If this is your child’s first experience away from you for a significant period of time, we encourage you to read through the following recommendations. Homesickness Dos…
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“Kidsickness”: Help for First Time Camp Parents
Who’s REALLY not ready for camp? Usually, parents say it’s their kid who’s not ready, but in my experience, the kids are raring to go, and it’s the parents who aren’t ready. After spending the last three decades at camp having fun with the campers, and talking to their anxious parents at home, I’m certain…
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