If you’re struggling with homesickness, the best thing to do is talk to your counselor about it. She can help you find things in common with other campers in your cabin, and other campers to be around at activities. She’s so much more than just a counselor, she’s a friend, a confidant, and family.

If you are going to camp for the first time, you will probably get homesick. I know I did! I was young the first time I went, but anyone, even older kids, can get homesick! If you get homesick at camp, going and talking to a counselor that has been to camp before, or an older camper can help! I also recommend bringing pictures from home or a stuffed animal, but only if you won’t be upset if it gets lost! 

Laine P.
Camper 
Camp Point Clear
7 years

Communicate occasionally with your cabin mates after camp is over. I email but texting is good too. Use major holidays and school breaks to send a quick note back & forth. Even though we don’t live in the same town it will make camp feel like I’m showing up around old friends. And that’s a great feeling!

My second tip is for setting up your bunk. You definitely want comfort. I always bring 1 bed sheet a sleeping bag and a blanket. For me I like 2 pillows but it varies. I also enjoy bringing photos and string lights to decorate my bunk and make it more roomy. Bringing decor was always something I enjoyed doing and it gave it a pop of color to the cabin. keep your bunk clean its so much better. I always kept a box on the side to hold my books and activities!

Kate W.
Camper
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
4 Years

I've only been going to Arbutus for four years but I've gone to other camps that definitely helped me learn. When your packing for camp limit yourself. I always brought way to much. For me I only bring my Trunk my hiking pack(or the bag I need) and a backpack! I try to fold my clothes as small as possible and don't over pack. I try to bring a variety of colors as different activities require different colors sometimes. I than have my backpack where I put any activity stuff I want. I'm only in my cabin for max 1.5 hours a day as there's so much to do so typically I like to bring my beads for bracelets photos of family and friends and a card game. Most of the time I bring way to much and don’t use half of it!

Kate W.
Camper
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
4 Years