The morning of sleepaway camp drop-off has a feeling all its own, especially for first-time campers.

The alarm likely went off early, the packing list checked more times than can be counted, the bags have all been packed, and the excitement in the air is mixed with its share of butterflies. And then there are the questions.

What if I don’t know anyone? What if I miss home? What if everyone else already has friends?

Will my child be okay? Will they make friends? Am I ready for this goodbye?

If you’re wondering whether everyone else feels nervous too, the answer is yes.

If this is your child’s first sleepaway camp experience, a mix of emotions is completely normal. Excitement and nervousness often show up together, for kids and parents alike. Big adventures often come with big feelings. For many kids, camp means something exciting. It’s a chance to have an experience that feels like their own–to make new friends, try new things, and enjoy a little independence.

For parents, it can mean something big too. It’s watching your child take steps toward confidence and growth in new and meaningful ways.

Over time, we’ve learned something important, the hardest part of sleepaway camp often isn’t camp itself; it’s sleepaway camp drop-off. Not because something is wrong, but because sleepaway camp drop-off is where all of the anticipation, excitement, and uncertainty come together at once. It’s the moment before something brand new begins.

But knowing what to expect can make all the difference. 

My family’s first hand experience  

For my own family, my daughter had been going to BB Camp overnight camp for several summers before my son went for the first time. My kids are very different kids. My daughter gets anxious, then brave. Which means, after a few small bouts of nervousness, she often jumps into things with both feet and never looks back. My son, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. 

The morning of sleepaway camp drop-off, my son woke up excited and ready-to-go. My daughter was already at camp, having left a few weeks earlier. My son remained excited until reality hit and he realized he was really going to be away from home for two weeks for the first time in his life. The car ride to sleepaway camp drop-off was filled with complete silence. For a kid who often can’t stop sharing every exciting thought that is in his head, it was obvious how nervous he was. 

When we arrived at the drop-off location, everyone from BB360 was their usual welcoming and friendly selves. But my son didn’t notice. He remained silent, with eyes staring straight ahead as he reluctantly stepped alone onto the camp bus. I watched from the parking lot as he made his way down the aisle and chose a seat next to another camper who looked as nervous as he was. 

Then something magical happened: The two of them started talking. Then they kept talking. It’s the small moments that add up to something special. By the time the bus pulled out of the parking lot, the two of them were deep in conversation.

“He barely remembered to wave goodbye before the bus pulled away. Right then, I knew he would not only be okay, but that he was going to be more than okay. He was off to have his first life adventure without his parents. And everyone was going to be better off for it.“

And so it begins… 

While camp can feel like a giant leap, it often starts with very small things: sitting beside someone new, unpacking a bag, meeting a counselor, and sharing a laugh.

And before long, something begins to shift.

The goodbye that felt so big starts becoming the beginning of something else.

The beginning of independence.

The beginning of adventure.

The beginning of friendships that can last long after camp ends.

At BB360, camp is more than a place kids go for a week or two. It’s where camp, community, and connection come together. It’s where young people discover deeper meaning, build confidence, awaken a sense of belonging, and create friendships that can stay with them for years to come.

If first-day jitters are showing up right now for your family, know they’re welcome too. They’re often a sign that something meaningful is about to begin.