Required Clothing, Packing & Shipping
We ask that all luggage be shipped to camp prior to Opening Day. Our counselors lovingly unpack each camper’s belongings ahead of time so that when they arrive, their bunk feels organized, welcoming, and ready for them.
Our goal is for campers to jump right into the fun — meeting bunkmates, exploring camp, and soaking up the excitement — rather than spending time unpacking.
We do encourage you to include your camper in the packing process so they know exactly what they’re bringing and where things are. It helps them feel confident and comfortable once they arrive.
Here is the packing list.
We ask that campers each have a few camp shirts and other items to wear throughout the summer. To purchase required uniforms, use our partner, Ameresport to order branded clothes:
Campers show their Color War spirit by wearing the colors of their teams (green or yellow/gold for Evergreen, and grey or maroon for Kenwood).
Many campers like to show their patriotism on the 4th of July by wearing fun red, white and blue costumes.
On the final nights of Camp we have a banquet dinner for each camp, and people often like to get dressed up. This doesn’t mean that you need to wear a fancy suit or outfit. Most girls end up wearing a sundress, and boys often wear a clean collared or button down shirt, jeans, and recently Hawaiian shirts have been popular as well.
We partner with a company called ShipCamps to help families ship their luggage to camp. Everyone must ship their luggage, or drop it off at camp in advance, unless you are traveling internationally. If your camper is flying in internationally, they can bring their luggage with them. Everyone else must ship their luggage or drop it off in advance.
In your camp forms, you’ll see a travel form that will inform us how your camper and your camper’s luggage will arrive at camp.
Please arrange for your luggage to arrive no later than June 17th.
You may also drop your luggage off at camp from June 12-14 8am-4pm at the main office.
If you are flying internationally you may bring your luggage with you. Campers flying domestically need to ship their luggage but may have a carry on.
Returning Luggage
- 3.5 Weekers will take all your luggage with you at the end of the visiting day or use ShipCamps.
- Full Summer can again be sent via ShipCamps
- Sent with the bus for a $100 fee.
- Picked up at camp on the last day of camp by 10 am.
Communication
Sending your child to camp is a big decision. There’s nothing else quite like putting your kid on a bus and sending them to the woods for the summer.
I know it’s hard to be away from them. That’s real, and we take it seriously.
They’re going to come back more confident, with new friends, and telling stories you’ll be hearing about for months.
As we get ready for summer, know that K&E being screen-free means communication looks different than the other 10 months of the year.
Our job is to give them a great summer and to make sure you feel good about what’s happening while they’re here.
What to expect this summer from us
- Thursday emails leading up to summer – like this one. These emails cover stuff like ‘who to call about what’ and ‘what is the actual food/snack policy’ and other hot topics.
- Weekly unit emails while your camper is at camp – a calendar of their week so you know when they are on trips or off camp (fewer photos those days), a quick update on how the unit is doing, etc
- Photos posted in Campanion at 10 am & 7 pm daily – set up your Campanion (iPhone) (Android) app now. Trust me, doing this early is worth it, so it tags all your photos with your camper.
- Camper phone calls – Every camper will have a scheduled call with you. One before visiting day and one after. More details on this next week.
Who to contact when you need something
You can always email/call/text me with any questions
- my cell – 585-451-5141
- email – [email protected]
Camp Office – Fastest response time & best for logistics like packages, transportation, scheduling, forms, visiting day details During the summer, you can expect a response within 1 hour before 9pm. [email protected]
Division Leaders – Best for camper updates (When you have questions about how they’re doing, friendships, homesickness, day-to-day questions) This summer, we will have some familiar faces in new roles working with your campers every day. These folks are called Division leaders.
They support about 60 campers each, overseeing the unit leaders and counselors for their division. They will be the ones sending the weekly updates.
Evergreen
- Junior camp (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th graders) – Maya Dephore 7th year on staff
- Senior camp (7th, 8th, & 9th graders) – Elise Anderson 3rd year on staff
Kenwood
- Junior camp (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th graders) – Shaun Chivers 10th year on staff
- Senior camp (7th, 8th, & 9th graders) – Ollie Yeomans 4th year on staff
During the summer, you can expect a response in 12 hours. They will be out with campers most of the day. These emails will be live June 15th.
Other concerns: Contact me or Ali. You can expect a response within 2 hours.
Jack Schott (Owner and Director) [email protected] Phone: (585) 451-5141
Ali Brockman (Family Liaison) [email protected] Phone: (617) 803-5720
These are conservative windows. Often it will be faster. If you need anything, the fastest thing to do is call/email the office, and we will help you get to the right place.
Due May 1st.
If you have any special diets, please start now
Camper Phone Calls
The world is a little different now. Phones are a little different too 🙂 Phone calls are still a great time to check in, hear how the summer is going, and share some updates from home!
When we get closer to summer, we will share some tips on how to make these conversations feel super positive and reduce anxiety all around. In the meantime, here are the logistics of camper phone calls this summer.
LOGISTICS
Every camper has a 15-minute phone call home about 10 days into camp, then if they are staying the whole summer, another one about halfway between visiting day and the end of summer. Plus, they get to see you on visiting day or call you if you can’t make it.
Recent Past
The last few summers, parents have scheduled phone calls with kids. You would figure out a time, let the office know, then we had this elaborate system to let kids know about their phone call ahead of time as well as making an announcement to have kids come to the main office. They would leave whatever activity they were in, have a counselor supervise them, come to the office, have their counselor wait, then head back to find their group. This works ok, but often leads to kids being pulled from activities they love, missing calls, being late, and a lot of chaotic announcements.
This Summer
We will have pre scheduled call-times by unit. If you can’t make that time, we can schedule a different time for you and your camper.
Each unit will have an hour for phone calls, and each bunk will have their calls within that hour. There will be 8 phone lines, and each bunk will have a 20-minute time slot. As exact bunk placements are finalized in May, we will send you a calendar invite for your timeslot. Below is the hour for each unit. There are 2 or 3 bunks per unit.
If these times don’t work, no problem just reply to this email and we will schedule a new time, just like last summer.
FIRST CALL EVERGREEN JULY 7TH
- Evergreen Freshman – 9:00 – 10:00 July 7th
- Evergreen Sophomores – 10:15 – 11:15 July 7th
- Evergreen Inters – 11:30 – 12:30 July 7th
- Evergreen Juniors – 1:30 – 2:30 July 7th
- Evergreen First Years – 2:45 – 3:45 July 7th
- Evergreen Second Years – 4:00 – 5:00 July 7th
- Juniper – 5:00 – 6:00 July 7th
FIRST CALL KENWOOD JULY 8TH
- Kenwood Freshman – 9:00 – 10:00 July 8th
- Kenwood Sophomores – 10:15 – 11:15 July 8th
- Kenwood Inters – 11:30 – 12:30 July 8th
- Kenwood Juniors – 1:30 – 2:30 July 8th
- Kenwood First Years – 2:45 – 3:45 July 8th
- Kenwood Second Years – 4:00 – 5:00 July 8th
- Hut 6 – 5:00 – 6:00 July 8th
SECOND CALL EVERGREEN JULY 27TH
- Evergreen Freshman – 9:00 – 10:00 July 27th
- Evergreen Sophomores – 10:15 – 11:15 July 27th
- Evergreen Inters – 11:30 – 12:30 July 27th
- Evergreen Juniors – 1:30 – 2:30 July 27th
- Evergreen First Years – 2:45 – 3:45 July 27th
- Evergreen Second Years – 4:00 – 5:00 July 27th
- Juniper – 5:00 – 6:00 July 27th
SECOND CALL KENWOOD JULY 29TH
- Kenwood Freshman – 9:00 – 10:00 July 29th
- Kenwood Sophomores – 10:15 – 11:15 July 29th
- Kenwood Inters – 11:30 – 12:30 July 29th
- Kenwood Juniors – 1:30 – 2:30 July 29th
- Kenwood First Years – 2:45 – 3:45 July 29th
- Kenwood Second Years – 4:00 – 5:00 July 29th
- Hut 6 – 5:00 – 6:00 July 29th
If your camper brings up something on a call that you want to talk through with us at camp, please reach out to your Division Leader or to me right away. We’d much rather know what’s going on than have you sit with it.
Health Center and Medication
Our Health Center is fully staffed with three full-time nurses at all times, along with a rotating camp doctor who joins us each week throughout the summer. Your camper’s health, safety, and well-being are always our top priorities.
From minor scrapes and bug bites to the occasional summer cold, our medical team is here to care for campers with professionalism, warmth, and compassion.
Our Health Center also includes a dedicated medication window where campers receive their prescribed medications in the morning and/or evening, ensuring consistency and privacy.
We are located just 15 minutes from New London Hospital, a Dartmouth Hitchcock–affiliated hospital, and approximately 40 minutes from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center should we ever need access to a larger facility or specialized care. We are fortunate to have excellent medical resources nearby.
Our medical staff is always available by phone or email before, during, and after camp to answer any questions you may have. And please know, if there are ever any concerns about your camper’s well-being, our Health Center team will reach out to you directly.
We are committed to partnering with you to make sure your camper feels safe, healthy, and supported all summer long.
As we prepare for Summer 2026, please review the important information below regarding medical forms and prescription medications.
Medical Forms
All medical forms can be found in your Online Account.
All required medical forms must be submitted to Colonial Pharmacy by May 1, 2026.
Please note: Colonial Pharmacy will charge a late fee for each week forms are submitted after the deadline.
Prescription Medications
All prescription medications must be filled through Colonial Pharmacy, our local pharmacy.
Colonial Pharmacy will:
- Deliver medications directly to camp
- Provide personalized packaging
- Clearly label each packet with your camper’s name, day, time of administration, and dosage
You or your doctor may e-fax/fax prescriptions directly to Colonial at: (603) 526-2235
For legal reasons, prescriptions cannot be submitted via email.
Medications That May Be Sent Directly to Camp
The following medications are exceptions and may be sent with your camper (clearly labeled with your camper’s full name and “HEALTH CENTER”):
- Emergency inhalers and EpiPens (required during the bus trip to camp)
- Growth hormones
- Liquid medications
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
K&E provides several “as needed” OTC medications through the Health Center, including Advil, Benadryl, Tylenol, and certain allergy medications.
If your child takes additional OTC medications not provided by camp, you may send them on the bus with your camper. Upon arrival, campers should give these medications directly to their bunk counselor.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your attention to these details to help ensure a safe and healthy summer for all campers.
Food Allergies & Kitchen
We plan healthy, kid-friendly meals with a wide variety of options to provide our campers and staff with the nutrition and energy to have fun all day!
Our Dining Hall does not serve any peanuts, tree nuts, or sesame products, nor do we allow these foods anywhere on campus. Please remember not to bring any of these items on visiting day either.
If your camper has any food allergies or special dietary requirements, please communicate them to us via your Camper Confidential Profile and Health Form online. Our Directors, Unit Leaders and counselors will all be made aware of your camper’s needs and keep them safe.
We try to create allergen-free versions of our regular menu where possible (eg gluten free pizza or dairy free desserts) or complementary meals if not. We have appropriate options whenever campers are doing something a little different, whether it is getting ice cream after a hiking trip, having a bunk pizza party or making s’mores round the campfire.
If you have questions or concerns about special diets, please reach out to [email protected] or (781) 793-0091. We will connect you with our Special Diets Team before the summer, to discuss your child’s particular restrictions. Our Health Center may also reach out to ensure they have an understanding of any potential reaction and treatments.
Transportation to and from Camp
Where the Magic Begins
Getting to camp is the first step of the adventure. Please review the transportation details below to ensure a smooth and timely arrival.
Boston Bus Stop – New Location
Burlington Mall
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA
Macy’s Parking Lot
To Camp
Check-in: No later than 12:45 PM
Departure: 1:00 PM sharp
From Camp
Drop-off at the same Burlington Mall location
Tri-State Bus Stop
Hyatt Regency Greenwich
1800 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT
To Camp
Check-in: No later than 10:45 AM
Departure: 11:00 AM sharp
From Camp
Drop-off at the same Hyatt Regency Greenwich location
Direct Drop-Off at Camp
Arrival Window: 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Please plan for a prompt departure so campers can begin activities smoothly.
Airport Transportation
Boston Logan International Airport
To Camp
Please schedule flights to arrive by 2:00 PM to ensure timely arrival at camp.
From Camp
Please schedule departing flights between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Online Parent Account
K&E is proud to utilize the technology of CampMinder- the leader in web-based Camp database systems. This means that you have a parent account that you can use all year round. There are two ways to use your parent account – your Camp in Touch account and the Campanion App – and they can be used interchangeably.
- Step by step details are in the Family Handbook
Program Upgrades
Before we get into the program details, here are four quick “you will actually notice this” upgrades for 2026:
- Four brand-new pickleball courts
- Two new high ropes course elements
- A new water inflatable
- New driving range for golf
These are the kinds of changes that show up on day one. More ways for kids to move, play, try something new, and feel brave in front of their friends.
Now the bigger picture.
K&E works because it is both steady and alive.
Steady, because kids can count on the rhythm of the day: Reveille, Assembly, rest hour after lunch, Free Play in the Hollow, evening snack, lights out, and all the traditions. Alive, because every summer has its own texture: new friendships, new inside jokes, new courage, and a few “I can’t believe I did that” moments.
That balance is exactly what we’re building for 2026.
WHAT IS STAYING THE SAME
- Unit life is still the foundation of camp. Campers spend most of their day eating, moving, and resetting with their unit. This is where kids feel known.
- Core traditions and special events are still the heartbeat of camp. Color War, rope burning, milk & cookies, Intercamps, big weekend, etc. All of this is vital and staying. No activity areas or weekend themes or traditions are being cut.
- Structured choice is still the philosophy. Kids build independence with a mix of guidance and real choice.
- A “Triple-A” identity like K&E has had since 1930. Athletics, Arts, and Adventure are still the core program. Adventure Dave loves that he makes the list.
- Here’s the basic shape of a K&E day that campers will come to trust:
– Reveille and breakfast
– Morning Assembly
– Activities and options blocks *see below
– Lunch and rest hour
– Milk & Cookies
– Afternoon activities *see below
– General Swim
– Dinner
– Free Play in the Hollow
– Evening program
– Nighttime snack and lights out
This rhythm is staying. Not every day looks identical, but it is predictable in the ways that matter.
WHAT IS GETTING STRONGER THIS SUMMER?
1) Protecting and strengthening unit time
In addition to shared meals, mornings, evenings, and downtime, every unit will have:
- one unit-only team sports period each day
- unit-only evening programs twice a week
- a weekly tubing session together
- a special weekly unit cooking experience
These are the kinds of moments that turn a group of kids into a real unit.
2) Clearer structure and more support: Division Leaders
We’re introducing Division Leaders for each of the four divisions (Kenwood Junior Camp, Kenwood Senior Camp, Evergreen Junior Camp, Evergreen Senior Camp).
Division Leaders will:
- support Unit Leaders with camper care, trips, and conflict support
- help ensure programming and special events fit each age group
- be the clearest lane for families when you want camper-specific updates during the summer
3) A more dynamic camp day
The typical daily schedule at K&E has been built around our “Triple A” Athletics, Arts, and Adventure for 95 years. It’s timeless and awesome.
When kids know what comes next, they relax. When they relax, they take healthy risks. They try new things. They handle conflict better. They make friends faster. They grow.
I talked to A LOT of parents and kids last summer about what they want more of for activities most common answers:
- INFLATABLES – this was #1 for kids
- Water skiing
- Playing sports with my unit – junior camp asks for this
- High ropes & the rock wall
- Adventure Dave – if you are new, you will know this soon – he is the best!
- “I want to be in the play, but the day before the show was so stressful”
- COOKING
- Arts and Crafts – so many kids wanted more time in arts and crafts
So we looked at the schedule and said, how can we make that happen without sacrificing the tradition and rhythm that kids count on?
Here is what we did: Every day still includes six activity periods. This summer we’re mixing shorter and longer periods so the day has different speeds, not just one tempo.
You’ll see:
- three 50-minute options periods
- one 50-minute unit-only team sports period
- one 75-minute division-wide general swim
- one 75-minute Studio or Woods block (alternating)
The Studio is a new creative arts space in the bottom floor of the Dining Hall where campers can work on projects over time and showcase them in a camp-wide gallery exhibition.
The Woods is a new program area across the road with cleared trails and new elements that bring fresh, old-school adventure energy. The woods includes: High Ropes Elements, fort building, outdoor cooking, pickleball, rock wall, archery, and more!
A standard day at camp still has 6 periods. 3 before lunch and 3 after – and we’ve made some periods longer and some shorter, as described above.
Junior Camp (3rd-6th Grade)
- Unit sport time – the whole unit plays one sport together (with instruction)
- Doubles – the unit chooses from activities with a unit just above or below them in age
- General Swim – swimming, inflatables, paddle boards, the whole lake
- Doubles – just like the morning
- Division Choice – all of junior camp will have choice together
- Studio or Woods – every other day they will go to the Studio (arts) or Woods (adventure)
Senior Camp (7th-9th Grade)
- Senior camp choice activities
- Senior camp choice activities
- Studio or Woods – every other day they will go to the Studio (arts) or Woods (adventure)
- Senior camp choice
- Senior camp choice
- General Swim
This schedule fulfills all of the most-requested changes, without sacrificing any traditional activities or program areas. Will we tweak it if it doesn’t work? OF COURSE!
4) Theatre, with more space to do it well
This summer we’ll produce one Junior Camp Show and one Senior Show. That means more rehearsal time, a more relaxed process, and kids who want to be part of it can go deeper. Families will still see a performance of the Junior Camp Show on Visiting Day.
5) Trips stay strong (and are getting extra support)
Our weekly trips are a cornerstone of the K&E experience, and they’re here to stay! Favorites like Weirs Beach, Whale’s Tale, mountain hikes, and intercamps will continue to give campers opportunities to explore, bond, and create unforgettable memories outside the gates of K&E.
More on trips later.
Our team is working really hard to bring our campers a truly remarkable experience in 2026 and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. We can’t wait for your campers to get off the bus and have the most amazing summer of their lives.
Trips
At Camp Kenwood & Evergreen, trips are more than just time off campus — they are experiences campers look forward to all summer long.
From hiking mountain trails and overnight camping under the stars to canoeing across open water, exploring caves, visiting waterparks and beaches, cliff jumping, paddle boarding, and even white water rafting, each trip offers adventure and discovery.
These experiences promote:
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Independence and responsibility
- Confidence in new environments
- Exploration of new places
- Facing and overcoming personal fears
Trips challenge campers in healthy, supportive ways while building lifelong memories. Whether it’s trying something for the first time or strengthening skills they already have, campers return more connected, more confident, and proud of what they accomplished together.
At Camp Kenwood & Evergreen, adventure isn’t just an activity — it’s part of who we are.
Opening Day
Opening day is a really special day full of excitement and a few nerves. It’s the day you see your old friends and make lifelong new ones. Families and campers will meet the bus in Boston or the Grand Hyatt in Greenwich, CT. Here campers will check in with the member of camp leadership, give their phone to you to take home and board the bus.
Buses will arrive at camp between 3pm-4 pm to a whole lot of exciting staff members. They will unload and meet their bunkmates and counselors and head to their bunks that are already set up with their stuff. Then the magic begins.
Visiting Day
Visiting Day JULY 18, 2026 9:00AM – 3:30PM
Visiting Day is one of the most special days of the summer at K&E. After three weeks apart, campers and their families are finally reunited — and it is pure magic.
It’s a day to simply be together. Families get to explore camp side by side, try activities together, meet counselors and bunkmates, and see firsthand the world their campers have been living in. There are hugs, happy tears, big smiles, and so many proud moments.
Visiting Day is also about community. Parents reconnect with the friendships they’ve built over the years at K&E — because sometimes the best friendships aren’t just made by campers… They’re made by parents here too.
- As always, all visiting must take place in Camp, and our terrific team of chefs will be preparing a wonderful lunch for all families. While you are free to bring along your own lunch on Visiting Day, we urge you to partake in this wonderful deluxe picnic lunch!
- All family members are welcome! Grandparents are welcome, but may find the terrain difficult. We will have golf-cart service available to help those who most need our assistance. While important members of the family, no pets are allowed, without exception. We have several children who have significant pet allergies and some with dog-related fears, so please respect this important rule.
Visiting Day Food
- To help keep Visiting Day organized and enjoyable for everyone, each family will be allowed one tote bag of stuff to their camper.
- Please plan to bring only what can comfortably fit inside the bag for Visiting Day.
- All food, drinks, and small presents must fit entirely in the tote bag; we are not able to accommodate additional bags, coolers, or extra items.
- This helps us keep our campus tidy, ensures fairness for all campers, and makes the day run smoothly for families and staff alike. Thank you so much for helping us make Visiting Day a great experience for everyone.
Accommodations
- Inn At pleasant lake www.innatpleasantlake.com
- New London Inn www.thenewlondoninn.com
- Mountain Edge Suites Sunapee www.choicehotels.com/new-hampshire/newbury
- NH Mountain Inn www.nhmountaininn.com
Follansbee Inn www.follansbeeinn.com
Closing Day
A day with lots of tears, hugs, and new friendships that connect all year long. After about 30 minutes of goodbyes, hugs and tears the kids will load the buses and head home. The buses will arrive in, Boston between 9:30am- 10am and TriState -Greenwich, CT between 12:30pm-1pm.
Rookie Week
July 11-17
Rookie Week is the perfect way to get a little taste of what a full summer at K&E is all about!
Our Rookies are rising 2nd and 3rd graders who are ready for a sneak peek of overnight camp life but may not be quite ready for the full camp experience just yet. It’s the best of both worlds: independence, adventure, and all the magic of camp in a one-week experience designed just for them.
Rookies live in a bunk with our incredible counselors, dive into all of our amazing camp activities, sing at campfires, swim in the lake, make new friends, and truly become part of our camp family for the week.
Fair warning… don’t be surprised if your Rookie comes home asking to stay the whole summer next year
Daily Rookie Schedule:
Assembly
Breakfast
Rookie Block 1: Junior Camp Options
Rookie Block 2: Junior Camp Options
Rookie Block 3: Sports or Compound Games
Lunch
Extended Rest Block
Rookie Block 4 (long): G-Swim or I-Swim
Rookie Block 5 (long): Woods or Studio
Dinner
Hollow Free Play
Shorter Evening Program
Extended Wind-Down
Weekly Schedule
Saturday: Arrival and Welcome
- Check-in, lice checks, meet the counselors, camp tours, Rookie Photo
- Nesting (bunk set-up)
- They get their Rookie Baseball Hats and name tags
- Introduction at evening Assembly
- Rookie Campfire with s’mores for evening program –
Sunday: Activity Sampler
- Morning: Swim test / Waterfront and compound games
- Afternoon: Studio and Woods
Monday – Thursday: Daily Rookie Schedule
Friday: Check-out
Homesickness
Almost everyone, adults and children alike, will experience some emotional pangs about being away from home. About 95% of kids miss something about home when they’re at camp — so periodic homesick feelings are completely normal.
That’s not what most parents are worried about. Most parents worry about intense homesickness. The good news: severe homesickness is very rare. Only 1 in 14 experience truly distressing homesickness. At Kenwood and Evergreen, our numbers are even better.
We want to partner with you in preparing your camper to be emotionally ready for camp. There are simple things you can do before Camp starts to reduce the chances your child will struggle, and plenty you can do to support them if homesickness comes up during the summer.
Talk About It Before Camp
Most kids are pretty good at predicting how strong their homesick feelings will be and talking about it won’t cause or worsen homesickness. Let your child know that there might be times they feel a little homesick, even while having a great time. Let them know there are things they can think about or do to feel better. Here are strategies that work well for kids at camp:
- Do something fun. Staying busy, in activities or with friends between activities, makes a huge difference.
- Do something to feel closer to home. Writing letters, looking at photos, and reading mail from family all help.
- Look on the bright side. Think about the cool things you can do at Camp that you can’t do at home!
- Try to shift your mood. Sometimes just thinking about feeling good is enough to change how you feel.
- Remember that camp isn’t that long. 6.5 weeks compared to 40 weeks of school? Keeping that perspective helps a lot.
- Talk to someone. Counselors, unit leaders, head counselors, and anyone on the Leadership Team are there to help. Their only job is to make sure you have a great summer, and they’re experts at helping kids through homesickness.
Practicing these strategies with your child before camp is one of the best things you can do. You can also arrange practice separations: sleepovers at friends’ houses, school trips, or other time away from home. One of the tools we use at camp is ‘time reframing’ – where we help kids think about their experience in smaller chunks, and focus on fun events that are happening that same day or the next, instead of feeling overwhelmed by thinking about the entire summer.
A Few More Pre-Camp Tips
Be truthful about stressful issues. Hiding a move or separation and doing it behind your child’s back while they’re at camp can be devastating. When children come home to a new situation they weren’t told about, it can erode trust and make future separations much harder.
Keep your doubts to yourself. If you’re uncertain about your child’s ability to handle homesickness, keep those concerns between the adults, including our staff. Kids need to hear positive messages from their parents. If you let them know you believe they can do it, they’re much more likely to succeed. Your kids know your moods. They can read your concern on your face and sense your anxiety. Practice your “poker face.”
Send a letter before the first day. Receiving mail at camp helps children feel loved and remembered. A personal, positive letter from home is often the cure for almost anything.
Do Not Make Pick-Up Deals
Parents sometimes make pick-up deals in an innocent attempt to ease pre-camp nerves. Experience tells us this almost always backfires, for two reasons:
- It sends a negative message. “Mom and Dad don’t think you can make it through Camp.”
- It gives kids a powerful thought to dwell on: The Pick-Up. Every time the child encounters a stressful moment or feels a twinge of homesickness, their thoughts turn to it. It becomes a mental crutch, the child leans on it instead of their own developing ability to cope.
If your child asks, “Will you come pick me up if I get really homesick?” the best response is something like: “You sound a little nervous about going to camp. I think you’re really going to love it. It’s normal to feel nervous beforehand. Even if you do have some homesick feelings, you’ll know what to do to feel better, and you’ll have tons of people who can help. I think you’re going to have a great time.”
Learning to cope with homesickness is a skill your child will use every time they’re away from home. Once they recognize the feeling, work through it, and come out the other side, their confidence about future separations skyrockets. It’s like exercise — it might hurt a little, but it makes you stronger.
Parents’ Feelings
Let’s be real: some parents get “childsick” when their kids are at camp. You can enjoy the free time, but sometimes that freedom feels a little empty, especially if it’s your child’s first time away.
If you’re like most of our parents, you’ll also have mixed feelings. You want your child to have an amazing summer, but you’re nervous about whether they’ll be OK without you there. No one knows your child better than you do. How could they?
Here’s what we know: you chose a great summer camp. We know how to keep your child safe and happy. If you’re like 95% of our families, your child will want to come back every year. We’re shooting for 100%.
Two things to remember about your own feelings:
First, avoid expressing them to your child. Remember that poker face. Strive to convey a uniformly positive message about camp. Your child needs your absolute confidence. Kids are constantly looking to their parents for guidance on how to feel, especially about new challenges.
Second, find ways to manage your own anxiety. Here’s what works for many of our parents:
- Attend the new camper party (and stay for the full parent discussion, it’s worth it)
- Connect with other camp families. We’d love to introduce you to parents in your area!
- Stay busy
- Write often
If your camper is experiencing prolonged homesickness, we will be in touch with you immediately, and together we will work through a plan that makes sense for you and your family.
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. We are always available to help and always willing to talk.