Helping Your Child Prepare for Homesickness at BB Camp 

Sending your child to overnight camp is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with a few worries. Will they make friends? Will they enjoy the activities? What happens if they miss home? 

Whether your child is a first-time camper or has been coming to BB Camp for years, it’s normal for them to feel nervous about a new experience or worry about being away from family. Parents can have their own anxieties, too! 

The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way. While it’s impossible to guarantee your child won’t experience homesickness, you can help them feel more confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of their time at camp. 

Helping Your Child Feel Ready for Camp 

One of the best ways to ease worries about homesickness is to help your child feel familiar with the experience before they arrive. Here are a few ways to get started. 

Focus on the Fun 

Talk positively about the camp experience and all the exciting things your child will get to do. If they love swimming, remind them about time in the pool or a lake. If they’ve attended day camp or a Hebrew school retreat, talk about the friends they made, the songs they sang, or the activities they enjoyed. 

It’s okay to acknowledge that trying something new can feel a little scary, too. Let your child know that feeling nervous is normal and that they can be both excited about BB Camp and a little unsure about being away from home. 

Practice Sleeping Away From Home 

If your child hasn’t spent a night away from home, try a sleepover at Grandma’s house or a trusted friend’s home before Camp begins. These experiences give children an opportunity to practice being independent in a comfortable setting. 

You can also talk about what helps them feel better when they miss home. Maybe it’s looking at a family photo, reading a favorite book, talking with a trusted adult, or remembering a fun family memory. Having a few ideas ready can help your child feel more prepared if homesickness does arise. 

Get to Know BB Camp Before You Arrive 

Sometimes, the unknown is the hardest part of a new experience. Exploring BB Camp together can help make the first day feel more familiar. Visit the BB360 website, review the New Camper Manual and Parent Manual, and watch BB Camp videos on YouTube. Talk about what your child can expect, from their cabin and counselors to the activities they’ll enjoy throughout the day. The more your child knows about BB Camp, the easier it may be to picture themselves there. 

Connect With the BB360 Community 

Camp doesn’t have to begin on the first day of summer. BB360 offers year-round youth programs and Family Camp that give children opportunities to meet other campers and become familiar with the BB360 community. These events also give parents a chance to meet staff and connect with other families. 

Explore upcoming programs and school break camps at bb-360.org/events. 

Encourage Your Child to Give Camp a Chance 

When a child is worried about homesickness, it can be tempting to promise that you’ll bring them home if they want to leave. Although this comes from a place of love, it may unintentionally make leaving Camp seem like the expected solution to feeling uncomfortable. 

Instead, encourage your child to give Camp a chance. Remind them that it’s okay to have difficult moments, that their counselors are there to support them, and that you believe in their ability to try new things. 

You’re not asking them to promise they’ll never feel homesick. You’re helping them understand that missing home is a feeling they can work through. 

Keep Your Own Worries in Perspective 

Parents miss their children, too! It’s completely normal to feel emotional about sending your child away, especially if it’s their first overnight camp experience. 

Try to share those worries with other adults rather than placing them on your child. Repeatedly talking about how much you, Grandma, or even the family pet will miss them can sometimes leave children feeling guilty about being away and having fun. 

Instead, offer reassurance and encouragement. A simple message like, “I love you, and I can’t wait to hear about your new friends, activities, and counselors!” lets your child know you’re excited for them. 

Staying Connected While Your Child Is at Camp 

Even with the best preparation, your child may still miss home. That’s okay! Here are a few ways to help them feel connected to family while encouraging them to enjoy their BB Camp experience. 

Send a Little Piece of Home 

A family photo, a picture of a beloved pet, or a small comfort item can help your child feel connected to home. Choose something meaningful that won’t cause too much distress if it gets misplaced. For some children, simply having a familiar item nearby can be reassuring as they settle into their new surroundings. 

Send Encouraging Letters 

Getting mail at BB Camp is always exciting! Letters are a wonderful way to remind your child that you’re thinking of them while encouraging them to enjoy the experience. Keep your messages upbeat and positive. Ask about their favorite activities, encourage them to try something new, and remind them that you’re looking forward to hearing about their adventures. 

Make Room for Your Own Adventures 

Just as you’ll encourage your child to try new things and have fun at Camp, give yourself permission to do the same while they’re away. Check BB Camp’s social media and emails for updates, but also make time for activities you enjoy, whether that’s meeting a friend for dinner, exploring somewhere new, or simply enjoying a little quiet time at home. Your child is having an opportunity to grow through new experiences, and you can embrace this time in your own way, too. 

Homesickness Doesn’t Have to Get in the Way of a Great Camp Experience 

Preparing your child for Camp isn’t about guaranteeing that they’ll never feel homesick. It’s about helping them build the confidence and skills to navigate new experiences, work through difficult feelings, and discover what they’re capable of doing. 

Children can miss home and still make wonderful friends, try new activities, and create memories they’ll carry with them long after summer ends. Sometimes, learning to manage those feelings is part of the growth that makes overnight camp so meaningful. 

At BB Camp, we want every camper to feel supported as they discover new friendships, build independence, and experience the joy of Camp. With a little preparation, plenty of encouragement, and a willingness to embrace the adventure, you can help your child feel ready to take that next step. 

A Support Team That’s Here for Your Family 

At BB Camp, families don’t have to navigate camp-related worries on their own. Our Community Care team works with families before camp and throughout the summer to help campers feel prepared, supported, and ready for a positive experience. Our Bunk Counselors and Community Care team are well-equipped to support campers’ individual needs, including campers with disabilities, so every child has the opportunity to feel included, build connections, and experience the joy of BB Camp. 

Whether you have questions before arrival or your child needs extra support while at Camp, our team is here to partner with your family every step of the way.