- Pack together and talk about camp as you pack.
- Make sure this will not be the first time your camper has stayed away from home overnight.
Arrange for a sleepover at a friend's house or with relatives.
- Let your camper know it is okay to miss home, but that does not mean they cannot or will not still have fun.
- Write your camper often. It is best to mail a letter or postcard the day before your camper leaves, and another on the day they leave for camp.
- When writing to your camper, do not make reference to how lonely you feel without your camper.
- If a family pet is sick or dies, please wait until your camper returns home to break the sad news.
- Do not encourage your camper to call home if they get homesick. Campers do not have access to a phone and are not allowed to bring cell phones to camp.
- Please remember, Pines counselors are well-trained in the area of homesickness. You will be notified if your camper experiences excessive homesickness.
- Reassure your camper that you will be there to pick them up on the last day of camp.