New activities can be scary, but if you look at all the activities that you're amazing at and love to do now, there was always that time in your life before you had ever tried it, when it too was new to you. New challenges come your way daily and it's definitely not about being good at it straight away. So try to focus on your own personal mini challenges that may be associated with the activity first, be it simple things such as dressing appropriately for it (looking the part gets you half way there), being on time, watching what other people enjoy about the activity and most importantly have fun.

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.

Pack lots of sunscreen and bug spray in your bag for camp! Pack extra! I promise you don’t want to be eaten alive by mosquitoes or burnt to a crisp by the sun. Neither of this things are fun, and they may take away from the activities and events of the summer!

Sarah W.
Camp Staff Member
Bay Shore Camp
10 Years

How to make friends!!

At Bay Shore, it’s really easy to make friends. But for people like me, it’s more hard. Introverts aren’t bad people, we’re just different. Instead of making a bunch of friends, It is usually better to make a few close friends. If you feel so inclined, I would suggest going up to someone that you would like to make friends with and saying hello. Maybe ask them a few questions about themselves, such as favorite food, favorite color, favorite season? Just talk to them like you would talk to any of your other friends. What’s the worst they could say? If they say no, try again. Our failures are what make us human and they only lead to success.

Sarah W.
Camp Staff Member
Bay Shore Camp
10 Years

To help campers with homesickness, mail letters before they go to camp so they can get them right away. I never realized how much they could mean in helping my daughter adjust to camp!