The Emotional Resilience Meter: Antic- ipating Homesickness: Even mature kids feel shaky at times, and experts say that homesickness at camp is very normal. In one study, 83 percent of sleepaway campers reported feeling homesick at some point. The goal isn’t to avoid homesickness. It’s to equip your child to handle it. Think about their past experiences away from home. Have they regularly spent the night at Grandma’s or had sleepovers with friends? These “practice separations” build confidence. Another key factor is your own readi- ness. Children read their parents’ emotional temperature with startling accuracy. If you’re anxious, they will be too. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of The Whole-Brain Child , encourages parents to reflect on whether their concerns are rooted in their child’s discomfort or their own. She explains that children build true resilience with “the right kind of adversity with the right kind of support”—exactly what the right camp can provide. If You’re Still Unsure: If you’re still on the fence, there are ways to ease into camp, like: ■ Try a shorter session. Some camps offer three or four-day beginner programs that give kids the full experience without the long separation. ■ Invite a friend to sign up too. A familiar face can soften the transition and boost confidence. ■ Try a day camp with an optional over- night. Even one night away can be a great test run. Ultimately, sending your child to sleepaway camp is an act of trust—trust in them, in the camp, and in the growth that comes from stepping into something new. When they come home taller (figuratively, or maybe literally) and bursting with stories, you’ll know the decision was worth it.
What about maintaining a bit of order? Can your child keep track of their stuff or regularly tidy their space? Camp doesn’t require perfection, but it does require aware- ness and effort. Experts say that while camp counselors are supportive, they can’t be expected to be valets or housekeeping staff. A child who has practiced simple routines at home arrives feeling capable rather than overwhelmed. Independence also shows up in how they handle small setbacks. When they spill a drink, do they instantly seek an adult, or do they go find a paper towel on their own? Those small moments of initiative offer big clues about readiness. Are They Socially Ready?: While inde- pendence matters, social readiness plays an equally important role. Overnight camp is one long group project, with shared cabins, shared meals, and shared activities. Social readiness isn’t just about having friends. It’s about navigating constant interaction. Think about your child’s ability to com- promise, share, take turns, and bounce back after conflict. Kids who can weather minor social bumps tend to thrive in camp. In fact, a study in the Journal of Applied Develop- mental Psychology found that children with stronger social problem-solving skills were not only happier at camp but also felt less lonely. It’s also helpful to consider how your child views new experiences. If their fear of missing out on what their friends at home are doing outweighs their excitement for adventure, camp may feel more stressful than fun. Conversely, a child who lights up at novelty is often ready to dive right in. Finally, observe their general coping style. When they face something tough, do they try again, or do they shut down quickly? Camp strengthens resilience, but that growth starts with being able to tolerate small frustrations, like missing the bullseye in archery, navigating cabin disagreements, or learning a challenging new skill.
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