Children often tell their parents they hate overnight summer camp for various reasons, and it's important to remember that not all children will have negative feelings towards camp. However, when some children express dislike for camp, it can often be attributed to the following factors:

1. Separation Anxiety: Many children, especially younger ones or those attending camp for the first time, experience separation anxiety when leaving their parents for an extended period. This anxiety can manifest as a desire to go back home.

2. Fear of the Unknown: Camp can be an unfamiliar environment with new routines, rules, and people. Fear of the unknown can make children uneasy, and they may express their discomfort by saying they hate camp.

3. Social Challenges: Making new friends and navigating social dynamics can be challenging, even for adults. Children may feel isolated or left out, especially if they don't quickly establish connections with their fellow campers.

4. Homesickness: Missing the comfort and familiarity of home, including their family, pets, and daily routines, can lead children to voice their discontent with camp.

5. Adjustment Period: Camp often has a different pace and structure compared to home life. Children may need time to adjust to the new schedule and activities, and during this transition, they might express negative feelings.

6. Peer Pressure: Some children may hear negative comments about camp from friends or classmates, which can influence their perception and lead them to express dislike for camp.

7. Communication: Children might not have the language or communication skills to express their feelings accurately. Saying they "hate" camp might be their way of expressing discomfort or unease.

8. Expectations vs. Reality: Sometimes, children have unrealistic expectations about camp based on movies, stories, or friends' experiences. When camp doesn't meet these expectations, they may express disappointment.

9. Specific Negative Experiences: Occasionally, a child may have encountered a negative or challenging experience at camp, such as a conflict with a peer or a counselor, which can color their overall perception.

10. Peer Influence: If a child's friends are also expressing negativity about camp, they may feel pressured to do the same, even if they're having a positive experience.

Paents, let's be honest our roll is to challange our children to try new things, make get along with others and overcome adversity. At Swift Nature Camp we know that once the parents get their child to camp then it is our turn to make it a positve experience. We are pretty good with that responsibility with 94% of campers wanting to return. Therfore, It's crucial for parents to listen to their children's concerns and feelings about camp without dismissing them. Open and empathetic communication can help address underlying issues and provide the child with emotional support. Sometimes, giving a child time to adjust to the new environment and offering encouragement can turn their negative perception of camp into a positive one as they start to build friendships and create life long positive memories.