What can families do to prepare for possible homesickness while the cadet is at an overnight activity?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following practices for families concerned about the potential for homesickness:                 

• involve the child in the process of choosing and preparing for camp                  

• discuss homesickness openly, be positive about the upcoming camp experience, and avoid expressing personal doubts or concerns;            

• arrange practice time away from home with friends or relatives before camp; and            

• frame the time to be spent at camp in comparison with previous enjoyable experiences the child may have had of similar duration.  

Although homesickness is traditionally believed to affect resident campers, younger children attending day camp may suffer from homesickness as well. Parents should avoid making “pick-up” arrangements in the event of homesickness because these arrangements may undermine the child’s confidence in his or her own independence. 

Reference:  Ambrose MJ, Walton EA, AAP COUNCIL ON SCHOOL HEALTH. Improving Health and Safety at Camp. Pediatrics. 2019.; 144(1).