Kids Going to Camp? How to Handle Homesickness by Heidi Smith Luedtke eing away from home and loved ones causes feelings of homesickness in almost everyone. As many as 95 percent of kids experience mild sadness and some feel intense, long-lasting distress. “It’s important to differentiate between adjustment anxieties that tend to diminish as kids get accustomed to new places, people and routines and deeper feelings of disconnection and depression that grow worse over time,” says Erika Myers, a therapist and former boarding school teacher. Younger kids and those who have never spent time away from home have the most trouble at camp. You may be worried that your attempts to comfort your homesick child will only make the problem worse. Here’s how to support your camper while she explores the world on her own.
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Give kids control.
Studies show kids who choose to go to camp are much less likely to feel homesick than kids who are pushed to go by parents. It’s best to let your child choose if, when and where she goes to camp. She should also decide what to bring and plan which activities she’ll do. Making decisions reminds kids they are capable and independent.
Set optimistic expectations. Kids need to
know it is OK to think about home and to miss their parents, pets, toys and favorite foods. Explain that there will be a period of transition, but don’t be discouraging. Attitudes about separation can become a selffulfilling prophecy – if your child believes he can’t cope with camp, he won’t. Be realistic and upbeat. Cont’d on page 34
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls...
Why do I choose Riverview each summer? “I saw my first river on a mountain, and first mudturtle. I rode my first horse. I had campfires every night. I felt close to God. I giggled a lot with new friends and counselors. The time flew by! I felt safe and secure. I gained confidence in myself through the world around me.”
“As times go, it was one of the BEST.”
And what child couldn’t use some of that these days? We’ve put together everything you’re looking for in a perfect camp setting! Recognized as one of the Southeast’s best all-around camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness...
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Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
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Only 2 hours from Atlanta on top of Lookout Mtn. in Mentone, AL
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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares, Asst. Director
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GOOD NEWS: Spaces are still available for summer! Call now to hold a space! MORE GOOD NEWS: You can enroll on-line: www.riverviewcamp.com GREAT LOCATION: Only 2 hours from Atlanta on Top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone, AL on the banks of Little River! SESSION OPTIONS: Both 1 and 2 week sessions for ages 6-16! WE’RE HERE TO SERVE: Registered Nurses on staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid and CPR Certified. Carefully selected Qualified Activity Instructors and Christian Counselors who really care... (Camper/Counselor Ratio is 5:1)
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Camp 2013
May 2013 Atlanta Parent 33