Tips to prep 1st time sleep-away camper emotionally?

[Anonymous]

It is exciting and anxiety inducing.

I've told my 10 year-old the first night will be the hardest, days will be easy.

What comforts did you pack or send along with your camper?

[Anonymous]

Is she anxious or are you? Do everything you can to build her confidence. Most of the kids she is with will have several years of sleepaway experience under their belts so tell her to look to them for tips. The best feeling she could have is knowing that you have full confidence in her and that you are proud and excited FOR her doing this. Trust me-- kids get anxious for themselves but they also get anxious for how their parents feel, too.

[Anonymous]

I was a homesick child. Send a lovie, have them pick it. Something small. I would sleep with it inside my shirt to comfort me. I had so much fun during the day, but evenings/night was always really hard. Thankfully I was also pretty tired so I'd fall asleep quickly and in the morning I was fine.

My mom would mail me letters before I even left for camp (it was only a week) so that I would get a letter on Monday (camp started Saturday). I didn't realize until I was older she did that, but I always LOVED getting mail and it helped a ton. I'd write her too, which is funny, because it was only a week.

[Anonymous]

Why would you tell her that? You just set her up to be upset the first night. Congrats.

You should have just told her she'll have a great time.

[Anonymous]

My brother cried all the way to camp drop off, and my parents sent pre-addressed envelopes with him so that he could write home....they didn't hear a word. He had so much fun. It was the first time he ever successfully slept away from home without my parents - he never had a problem again after that.

The counselors know how to handle home sickness. She'll do great.

[Anonymous]

One of the best things I said to my extremely anxious son right before he left for camp was "I would have never signed you up if I didn't think you would be OK and I didn't think you would have a great time". Once I said that, he relaxed a little. He was definitely trying to hold his shit together at drop off but he did great and said he was only "sad" that first night. They keep them so busy during the day and by 10 PM when lights go out, they are exhausted. This Summer will be his 4th Summer (he is 11) and my Daughter's third (she is 9). They now eagerly look forward to their 3 weeks away.

[Anonymous]

I would say a lot of confidence boosting things like, "You are ready for this! We know you will be a little homesick now and then, but just take some deep breaths and think about what is happening next where you are." If it is horrible, the camp will call you. Otherwise, it is a rite of passage and let her know you have full confidence in her.