The Simple Life

Work/Life Tools

Family and Friends

• Keep good communication with the camp administration. After all, you are entrusting them with your child. You should feel free to call the office with a concern and know that the camp staff will contact you if a problem arises.
• If the camp permits it, send care packages to your child periodically. Send a package before he or she leaves, so a gift from home will arrive in the first few days of camp, when homesickness and adjustments are greatest.
• Some camps allow food packages, while others don't. Check with your specific camp for its policy on food in care packages. No matter what the policy, food care packages can create problems within the cabin. To avoid problems, send magazines, books, sunglasses, lotion, fancy hair items, joke books, extra shampoo, autograph books, music tapes, postcards or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, playing cards or small travel games instead.
• Don't expect a letter from your child each day or each week. There is usually so much to do every day at camp that kids tend to loose track of time. And don't panic if the kids' sparse letters are filled with images of terrible food, non-stop rain and mean counselors. Complaining comes naturally to kids and it's a great way to fill a letter home. If these claims keep up, check with the staff yourself.
• While the kids are away, plan something special for yourself. Take a class, relax at the spa or catch up on some reading. Keep your mind off the missing child. If you're terribly homesick for your little one, talk it over with another adult. Don't burden the kids with your feelings in a letter or on the phone. They may be struggling with homesickness themselves, and they don't need to deal with you missing them.
• Be supportive of your child. Often camp involves learning new skills such as horseback riding. It is difficult to learn such a difficult skill in just a few weeks. Encourage them to persevere and try their best.
• It may be tough, but resist the temptation to drop into camp unannounced. Your child might be on a field trip or involved in a special activity when you show up. A visit may also revive homesick feelings that have finally been overcome. Camp is a kid's special place, separate from parents and family life. Parents should generally steer clear.

Peggy Middendorf is a parent of two and editor of a regional parenting magazine. Contact Peggy at middendorf@mindspring.com.