Nervousness For First-Time Campers
There is a specific moment every June, usually just as the trunks are being packed, when the excitement of summer suddenly meets a wave of “What ifs?”
As the Director of Birchmont and a lifelong camp professional, I want you to know that this is a completely natural and expected part of the camp experience. Whether it is a child’s first summer or their fifth, pre-camp nerves are a sign that your child realizes they are about to embark on something significant. For parents, this is often the first real test of the season. You want them to be brave, but your heart aches when they ask, “What if I miss you too much?”
In my leadership role with the American Camp Association, other camp directors and I often discuss this moment as when the camp experience for a child truly begins. As camp professionals, we know that the greatest growth happens when a child stretches beyond their comfort zone; these feelings are the beginning of the developmental arc that allows camp to be such an impactful experience.
We expect children to encounter and overcome some level of homesickness; our staff are trained for it, and the experience is built to allow your child to have their first success at being truly independent. But as a parent, your job is to provide the steady ground from which they launch. The power of camp to bolster a child’s independence and confidence starts with the partnership between camp and home.
Below is my advice on how to talk about homesickness and nervousness to ensure your child has a successful camp experience.
1. Validate the Feeling, But Don’t Join the Worry
When a child says they are nervous, a natural inclination may be to minimize the concern by saying something like, “Don’t be silly, you’ll love it!” While well-intentioned, this can make a child feel like they aren’t being heard.
Instead, try something along the lines of: “It’s totally normal to feel nervous about something new. Even I get butterflies before the first day of camp! But I also know how much fun you’re going to have with your new friends on the lake.” You are acknowledging the emotion without giving it the power to stop the journey. If you or a family member has camp or similar experience, this is a great opportunity to share how you had the same feelings but then had a great experience once you were settled in.
2. Avoid the “Pick-Up Deal”
This is perhaps the most vital piece of advice I can offer. Never tell a child, “Try it for a week, and if you don’t like it, I’ll come get you.”
In the camping profession, we call this the “Bailout Clause”, and it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. It inadvertently tells the child that you don’t believe they can succeed. When the first inevitable wave of homesickness hits, your child won’t focus on making a new friend, talking to their counselor, or engaging in activities—they will focus on the “deal” to go home without ever giving the camp experience a chance.
Instead, talk to them about their “camp family”. Explain that at Birchmont, they aren’t just a camper; they are part of a community that looks out for one another. Reassure them: “There might be moments where you miss home, and that’s okay. But you have a whole camp family and counselors there to help you through it. I know you can do this.”
As parents ourselves, Kristie and I often serve in this surrogate parent role for children who may be homesick. Please let your camper know that if they are having trouble, they can come talk to us just like they would to their Mom or Dad. One of the most rewarding parts of our job as camp directors is helping a child get through those first few days to then see them return to camp for many happy summers.
3. Focus on the “Firsts”
To pivot from nervousness to excitement, talk about the specific “firsts” they are looking forward to. Is it the first time they’ll hit a bullseye in archery? The first campfire s’more? The first time they see the Milky Way and the stars in the light-pollution-free New Hampshire sky? Shifting the conversation toward these tangible milestones helps them visualize success rather than focusing on the unknown.
The Director’s Perspective
Homesickness isn’t a “problem” to be fixed; it’s a milestone to be managed. It is actually a beautiful sign that your child has a home they love. By navigating those feelings and coming out the other side, your camper will develop a level of resilience that stays with them long after the buses return home from camp.
At Birchmont, we are ready for them. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where every child feels seen and supported, and I can’t wait to see your child grow this summer.
Yours in camping,
Will Pierce
Owner/Director, Pierce Camp Birchmont
