We know that one of every parent’s greatest concerns is that their camper may experience some homesickness upon arriving at camp. Most of the time what children are actually experiencing when they feel “homesick” is anxiety over being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. What they are usually “yearning” for is the reassurance and confidence they feel when they are with you. It is normal to feel uneasy in these circumstances and it is our goal to help each camper adjust to their new surroundings and enjoy camp life.

In order to assist your camper in the process of moving past the potential homesickness, we have put together some “tips” that will help give your camper the assurance and encouragement they need from you as they set out on their Camp Judaea adventure.

1. Please read all the materials and communications we send you and carefully follow the suggestions on arrival times, items to pack, etc. If you are well-oriented, chances are your camper will feel less stress about their adjustment to camp.
2. Keep up their excitement and help them set personal goals for the summer.
3. Encourage them to make new friends and try new things.
4. Campers should know whom to go to with problems or questions: the Madrachim (counselors) and their Merekez/et (unit leader) will be in constant contact with campers. If further support or assistance is needed David Berlin our Assistant Director, Leah Zigmond our Associate Director are always available. It is very important that campers feel supported by the staff at camp and know that they can trust us to resolve any concerns they may have.
5. If you will be away from home, campers should know how to write you; tell them you have given the camp your temporary address and phone number in case you need to be contacted.
6. If you or your camper are having misgivings about camp or have had consistent difficulties with overnight stays in the past, please call us for advice on resolving these issues before camp starts.
7. Be clear that coming home early is not an option. Trying to calm your children’s fears by inferring that coming home early if they do not like camp is an option will overwhelm your camper and severely hamper their ability to adjust to camp life.
8. Avoid sending letters telling your camper what they are missing at home or expressing your own sadness concerning your child’s being away from home. Sharing these subjects will only make their adjustment to camp more difficult. Focus on the positive and ask questions about camp life. As a reminder, we do not allow parents to speak with campers on the telephone as this may intensify the feelings of homesickness.

In our experience, a camper’s feelings of homesickness will go away, especially with their parents’ encouragement. Your gift to your children, in addition to sending them to camp, is to give them the proper tools to have a successful summer.
Please remind your camper (and yourself) that camp is a “big time fun adventure.” Convey your confidence in the staff at camp to resolve any small issues and encourage your child to trust that Camp Judaea will be a safe and friendly place for them. As always we look forward to sharing a wonderful summer with you and your family!