What if your daughter is homesick?

It is not unusual for even the veteran camper to feel homesick the first few days away from their family. It is a normal healthy response that can be just as painful as a stomach ache. Parents of younger and first time campers should expect it. Please remember that overcoming homesickness is an important part of growing up and is something your child may need to experience and see through to the finish if she is to attain the degree of independence which is necessary to make her a self-reliant, mature individual.

Parents can help by emphasizing the wonderful camp experience your daughter will have at Mohawk. We strongly discourage parents from telling your camper that she can come home after a few days if she is homesick. This actually encourages homesickness and often makes the child unhappy. It also is more difficult to try and help the child make it through if she knows she can go home. Parents should understand that the initial letters you receive might express strong homesick feelings. Please don’t be alarmed. What was a crisis on day two may have been forgotten by day four. Write a reassuring letter back urging them to stick with it and have a great time. We treat our homesick campers with sensitivity, reassurance, and special attention. If a situation requires further attention, the Unit Leader is called to help and if necessary the nurse is called in for some TLC. We frequently speak with parents regarding their child’s homesickness. If you would like more information on preventing homesickness, please contact us.