Massawepie Tip of the Day #5 - Homesickness

Homesickness at Scout camp is as common as bugs.

95% of children between the ages of 8 and 16 who attend summer camp, experience some feelings of homesickness on at least one day. 20% of those experience moderate to severe feelings of homesickness.

Not to worry! The adult Troop leadership has the experience to recognize the tell-tale signs of homesickness and what to do to help Scouts adjust to camp.

Here is a brief list of things parents can do to help minimize homesickness:

-- Share stories of the positive things you did at camp as a child.

-- Avoid saying things like " I don't know what I'll do without you" or "I hope I remember to feed your dog."

-- Have a No-Call policy. Cell phones are great but calling home is not a treatment for homesickness. 5% of phone calls have no effect and the rest have a negative effect. Leave the cell phone home.

-- Have them bring self-addressed, stamped envelopes from home to write letters to Mom and Dad.

-- Express to your son, the confidence you have in his abilities to cope with feelings of homesickness.

Your son may experience some anxiety or sadness at camp, but he'll have the support of trusted adults and older Scouts at Camp.