Have fun. You will make friends at camp! Don't be sad at camp if you miss your parents! Bring a picture of them. You are free! You can make your own decisions now. Don't be afraid to ask somebody for help if you can't find where you need to go!

Margaret S.
Camper
Camp Ozark
2 Years

Camp has always been an amazing experience for me. My birthday happens to fall in the middle of the second week at camp and I found I do get homesick because I am not at home with my friends and family but camp birthdays are the best! If your birthday is during camp don’t spend it sad and homesick try to do something to cheer you up because after all it’s your special day!

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

Bring a few items from home to personalize your bunk! Battery operated fairy lights, pictures of family, and a small throw pillow can add a little comfort of home during afternoon rest time or before bedtime.

Melissa O. 
Parent of a Camper
Camp Crestridge for Girls
2 Years

My daughter said one thing that helped with homesickness was how cozy her bed was! Twinkle lights, pictures of friends and family from home on the wall, special bedding she helped pick out and I had personalized, fun journal and gel pens for jotting down memories, etc! She said whenever she had quiet time and was laying in her bunk, it made her think of how much fun we had shopping for everything she needed! : )

Consider packing fun string lights, battery operated clip-on fans or reading lights for bunks too.  Your bunk is your special space so decorating with pictures and stuff from home might also help prevent homesickness.  (Remember tacks or tape for photos).  A pack of Command hooks could come in handy too.

Shelia M.
Camp Staff Member 
Camp Highlander
5 years