Homesickness can be common not just at camp, but in any situation where your child is away from you, such as a school trip or a sleepover with friends. The feeling of missing home and being away from loved ones is a natural part of growing up and gaining independence.
However, with a little preparation and the right coping strategies, you can help your child understand that feeling anxious or sad is normal—and with time, they can overcome their homesickness.
In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at what homesickness is and the common signs to watch for. We’ll also share our top tips for homesickness at camp, so your child can have a fun and successful experience.
What is homesickness?
Ever been away from home and felt a little…off? That’s homesickness. It’s that feeling of sadness or unease when you’re in a new, unfamiliar environment and away from the people, places, and routines that make you feel comfortable. Whether it’s missing your family, your friends, or even something as simple as your favourite stuffed animal, homesickness is a completely natural response.
Symptoms of homesickness
Homesickness can show up in different ways. Some kids might feel sad and teary, while others might become withdrawn or quiet. Here are some common signs of homesickness to look out for:
- Sadness and crying: This is often the most obvious sign, especially in younger children.
- Difficulty sleeping: Your child might have trouble falling asleep or experience nightmares.
- Loss of appetite: They might not be interested in eating or trying new foods.
- Withdrawal from activities: A homesick child might avoid participating in camp activities or socialising with others.
- Increased anxiety or worry: They might express fears about being away from home or worry about things going wrong.
- Physical complaints: Sometimes, homesickness can manifest as headaches and stomach aches.
How to deal with homesickness at summer camp
Even though these feelings are completely normal, there are several things you can do to help your child ease their homesickness, allowing them to focus on enjoying a fun and adventurous kids camp!
See below our top 5 tips on how to deal with homesickness on a PGL outdoor camp:
1. Involve your child in decisions for camp
One of the best tips for homesickness at camp is to involve your child in the decision-making process. Let them browse the camp websites to familiarise themselves with the centre they’ll be visiting, watch videos online of the activities available, and even have a say in choosing what to pack. Additionally, giving your child the freedom to choose what items they can take (e.g. a favourite book, t-shirt, pyjamas etc.) can help them feel more prepared and excited for their upcoming adventure.
A study by Derby City Council highlights that when children are allowed to make decisions, they develop problem-solving skills and learn to consider the needs of others. This involvement not only boosts their confidence but also increases their commitment to and enjoyment of the chosen activities.
2. Suggest your child takes a comforting item
While packing, encourage your child to take something that brings them comfort. This could be a stuffed animal, a special blanket, a family photo, or a handwritten note. These items are like a little piece of home and serve as a tangible reminder that they’re only away for a short time, and soon enough, they’ll be back home.
Having a familiar object could also help them sleep better, especially for those first few nights away from home. It can make their new surroundings feel a little less scary and give them something to hold onto or see during moments of uncertainty.
3. Talk through the fun things they’ll be doing
Camp is a whirlwind of fun! So, why not talk to your child about all the amazing activities they’ll be doing? Sit down with them, ask open-ended questions like “How are you feeling about sailing for the first time?”, and look at camp photos together. You could also read through a sample day to help them understand mealtimes, activities, and free time. By knowing what to expect, they’ll feel more at ease, focus on the exciting parts of camp, and embrace new friendships instead of worrying about the unknown.
If you choose one of our Specialist Adventures, your child will receive lots of time exploring their hobbies or interests, from horse riding and baking to netball! Plus, in the evenings, there’s singing around the campfire, movie nights and quizzes to enjoy.
3. Do a practice run
If your child hasn’t had much experience being away from home, then arrange a “practice” sleepover at a relative’s or friend’s house a week or month before their trip to camp. Not only is this a great way to build their confidence, but it also helps them get used to sleeping in a new environment while still feeling safe and secure.
It’s a small step that can make the transition to camp much smoother, reducing feelings of homesickness once they’re away. Moreover, it allows kids to develop coping strategies such as bringing a comfort item (as mentioned earlier) or following a bedtime routine.
5. Stay in touch
If your child is currently at camp and feeling a little homesick, an occasional phone call from home can be encouraging. It’s also a chance for them to share all the exciting activities they’ve been doing and the people they’ve met! However, be sure to give them the space to settle in, relax and enjoy their camp experience.
If they don’t have a mobile phone, our team can arrange a call home at appropriate times if they feel homesick. Our guest welfare officers are always available on-site to make sure everyone at camp is okay.
Bonus tips on homesickness after camp
Once your kids are back from their camp adventure, it’s important for them to take some time to reflect on their experiences. This helps them process their emotions and learn how to cope the next time they feel homesick.
- Listen & validate: Create a safe space for your child to share their experiences, both positive and challenging. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their bravery in facing homesickness.
- Celebrate success: Focus on the accomplishments and new skills they’ve gained at camp. Did they learn a new skill? Make new friends? Conquer a fear? Celebrate their growth and resilience!
- Future planning: Talk about what worked well and what could be improved on. For instance, did a particular coping strategy help? Or maybe they would like to try a different type of camp next time?
By helping your child understand the signs of homesickness and how best to manage it, they’ll feel even more confident and ready to brave the unknown.
Book your child’s outdoor adventure today!
We hope these tips for homesickness at camp come in handy! At PGL, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our campers have the best possible experience, creating a supportive and welcoming space that feels like a home away from home.
Our team is fully trained to recognise and address any concerns your child may have. In most cases, just a day or two of making new friends and diving into fun activities will ease any worries.
So, if you’re looking to book your child’s next school holiday trip, why not check out our kids’ adventure camps?
We have a range of fun-filled camps for ages 8 to 11, 11 to 13 and 13 to 16 like multi-activity holidays, watersports and more. PGL has been running for over 66 years so, we know a thing or two about adventure!
We also have plenty of camps running throughout the school holidays, including Easter, May Half-Term, Summer and October Half-Term.
So, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help.
