As the camp director of Swift Nature Camp, I'm familiar with homesickness in campers. I often see this as the buses pulled up to take the kids away to overnight camp, I couldn't help but notice the mix of emotions on display. The younger children seemed apprehensive about being separated from their parents, pets, and electronic devices, while the older generation appeared to be experiencing a mixture of love and anxiety. Yet new to me, is the increased feeling of "kidsickness" that many parents experience when their children go away to camp. The pandemic is one of the reasons these feelings have become so intense. We parents got used to our kids being with us 24/7.
Yet, there are parents who managed to keep their emotions in check and do not try to stow away on the bus. Sending kids away to camp can be difficult, but it's worth it when you see the transformation that takes place. Kids grow the most when they're asleep, and the same is true at camp. They are transported to a different realm, and a change in expectations helps them mature quickly. Eventhough, I own Swift Nature Camp, I am also a parent and I have seen the power of camp in 1000 of kids, so much so, that our child went to a different camp, because no kids want their parent to be the camp director.
We parents at home tend to intervene when our kids encounter problems. But at camp, they become more resourceful because no one else is going to make their bed or solve their problems. This independence helps them develop new habits and skills that they can apply in their daily lives. They also become more resilient when they experience low moments and are forced to work through them on their own.
Camp also offers kids a chance to re-invent themselves. Children who were unpopular or bullied at school get a fresh start at camp and can make friends and find new self-esteem. This experience can be life-changing, and some kids even go on to work at camps as adults, eager to give back what they received as campers.
While camp cannot solve all emotional issues, it can be a valuable solution for most. With the prevalence of mental health problems increasing in today's world, camp offers a secure and encouraging space for children to develop self-assurance and acquire essential life skills. As a result, upon their return, both younger and older campers may experience a mix of happiness and nostalgia, or "campsickness."
Parents, I know you are anxious, it will be OK. You can anticipate a reduction in your own "kidsickness" when you witness your camper's joy in their accomplishments and learn to enjoy your newfound free time. You may even look forward to the next summer with eagerness. To learn more about Sleep-away Summer Camp
