Positively Parenting

Camp is an action-packed adventure. Each day brings new and exciting opportunities for growth and accomplishment. At the same time, strong bonds of friendship and community are developing. It truly is a life-changing experience. And when the embers of the last campfire have cooled, and campers make their way home, often children experience a mild case of the "end of camp blues."

The blues are not uncommon — causing some children to be tired, moody, quieter than usual, or even irritable or grumpy. TheAmerican Camp Association® (ACA) recommends the following tips for families to help ease the transition from camp to home:

• Help them relax and adjust to the slower pace of non-camp life. Suggest they take a warm shower and get plenty of rest. Plan to have an "old favorite" for dinner.
• Encourage reconnecting with friends from home. Volunteer to set up play dates and get-togethers to help re-establish a sense of belonging with friends they haven't seen in a long time.
• Allow your child to write, email, or call camp friends. Many camps encourage campers to exchange e-mail and IM addresses with one another. Parents should make sure to oversee their child's online activities, and make sure that all camp policies are being followed.
• Be open and available to talk about camp. Allow your children to reflect on their friends, their favorite moment at camp, and what they miss most about camp. Sharing experiences and feelings will help them feel connected to you, and will make the transition easier.
• Organize a small "reunion." Getting together with local camp friends can help reassure your child that though his or her friends are out of sight, they are not out of mind!

Adam Weinstein, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, New York explains, "You read a lot about what to do if your child is crying when you drop them off for camp, but in reality we see the most tears when camp is over. To help your children get over campsickness, offer to help them stay in touch with camp friends during the school year. Camp friends are often a child's first experience with friends who live outside their neighborhood and by helping your child maintain that kind of friendship you will be teaching your child important life skills. Planning a mini reunion with your child's camp friends at your house is an easy way to wash away the campsickness blues. You can also remind your child that the ten months until the next summer of camp are not as far away as they may seem."

If your child gets the blues, remember that they miss camp because they had fun — and they enjoyed taking healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. And, it is normal for them to miss their camp family the same way they missed their home family at camp. By being supportive and understanding, families can ease the sadness and help campers adjust to life at home. And, families can help campers remember that next summer is not that far away.