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Setting off for an adventure camp can be a thrilling prospect for your child. However, it’s not uncommon for nerves to kick in, leading to feelings of homesickness. This is a completely natural experience for many children when they’re away from home for an extended period, like during a summer camp or a school trip.

As parents, witnessing our children struggle with homesickness can be tough. But with the right support, they can overcome it and fully enjoy their time, build confidence, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships!

In this guide, we’ll explore what homesickness is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can help your child prepare before they arrive at PGL, with extra tips on how kids can reduce homesickness while they’re at camp. 

 

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is more than just missing home; it’s a complex mix of emotions including sadness, anxiety, and a longing for routine, comfort, and the reassurance of loved ones. Essentially, it is a fear of the unknown and can manifest differently in each child, ranging from mild feelings of unease to more severe symptoms such as

  • Sadness: This is a classic sign of homesickness. Children may feel tearful, or express a longing for home as a result.
  • Anxiety and worry: They might feel anxious about being away from family and familiar surroundings or objects. 
  • Loneliness: Feeling disconnected from family and friends can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if a child is still adjusting.  
  • Anger and irritability: Children may be easily frustrated, snap at others, or have difficulty controlling their emotions.
  • Withdrawal: Some children may withdraw from activities and social interactions when feeling homesick. 
  • Physical discomfort: If they become stressed or overwhelmed, this can lead to stomach aches, nausea or headaches.
  • Disturbed sleep: Homesickness can interfere with regular sleep patterns. Children may have trouble sleeping soundly, or wake up frequently during the night.  

 

Why do kids get homesick?

Understanding what homesickness involves is the first step in helping our children cope effectively. So, the key question remains: Why do kids get homesick in the first place? 

For starters, it all comes down to our strong emotional bonds with family and close friends. When kids are away from the people who make them feel safe and loved, it’s natural for them to miss that connection.

Being in a completely new place—surrounded by different sights, sounds, smells, and people—can feel a little overwhelming at first. It takes time to adjust, and until they do, those feelings of homesickness can creep in.

 

Some kids are likely to feel homesick because they are naturally anxious or shy, and might struggle a bit more to form new relationships. Big life changes such as starting a new school or moving to a new home can also make adjusting to camp harder.

​​At the end of the day, anything that disrupts a child’s sense of security and routine can trigger homesickness. But it’s important to remember that it is not a sign of weakness or immaturity; it’s a completely normal response to change.

 

How to deal with homesickness before camp 

Helping your child feel prepared and confident before camp can make all the difference in preventing homesickness. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure they have an incredible adventure. Check out these homesickness tips for parents to consider before camp:

1. Practice overnight stays

Before sending your child off to adventure camp, consider arranging sleepovers with friends or relatives in the first few weeks or months leading up to their trip. Spending the night away in a familiar and comfortable setting helps them gradually adjust to being separated from home. 

Plus, it gives them the chance to build confidence and independence by managing their own bedtime and taking care of their belongings without a parent nearby. Check out our blog on the benefits of overnight school camps to explore the exciting experiences awaiting your child during their stay!

2. Involve your children in decisions

One of the best homesickness tips for parents is to empower their children by including them in decisions regarding their upcoming camping trip. For example, if they play soccer, let them spend time with their team at a sports camp

Moreover, allowing them to decide what to pack, whether it’s a favourite toy or pair of shoes, can give them a sense of control, making the whole experience feel more personal—all while building anticipation for the adventure ahead! Need more information? Dive into our guide to outdoor adventure camps for kids, covering everything from accommodations to the best age to send your child to camp and much more!

3. Pack a comforting item

Next, bringing an item from home, such as a favourite stuffed animal or pillow, a cherished family photo, or a handwritten note, can provide a valuable source of comfort for kids while they’re away at camp.

During moments of homesickness, particularly at bedtime when emotions might run higher, having something tangible to hold onto will help remind your child that they are loved and supported, even from afar. 

4. Address concerns about camp

Finally, encourage open communication by addressing any concerns or fears your child may have. This could be anything from worries about fitting in, making friends, and missing family members to experiencing new challenges like climbing a rock wall or taking a leap of faith on the trapeze. 

Listen attentively and provide lots of words of encouragement to help reduce their anxieties. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous and that these feelings are normal. If your child is travelling with their school or a group, reach out to the trip leader for assistance.

Watch our video here to help kids feel more at ease before camp and address any concerns they may have.

 

How to deal with homesickness at camp

While addressing homesickness before camp is crucial, it’s just as important to equip kids with the right strategies for handling homesickness once they’re at camp. Despite no direct parental guidance, there are various ways kids can cope, from staying connected with home to talking to camp leaders. 

1. Talk to camp staff

Camp staff are committed to providing the best possible experience for young adventurers. They are always there to offer a comforting word or provide helpful suggestions whenever homesickness arises.

At PGL, the welfare of our campers is paramount. That’s why all activity sessions are led by our highly qualified instructors, who ensure everything runs smoothly while also encouraging kids to participate. The ‘Group Leader’ is another friendly face on camp who students can turn to to seek support whenever needed throughout their stay.

2. Make friends

Adventure camp is a fantastic place to meet lots of new friends, offering kids a unique opportunity to connect with others outside of their usual social circle. It’s a great time to strike up conversations, join group activities like raft building, and find children with similar hobbies. 

Ultimately, having buddies to laugh with, support one another, and tackle challenges together can make the camp experience even more special—and put any feelings of homesickness to rest. Who knows? They might have just found a friend for life! 

3. Focus on fun

Camp is all about creating positive memories! Therefore, one of the best ways to manage homesickness is by encouraging your child to concentrate on the exciting activities and the fun they’ll be having with new friends in such a beautiful setting. 

By shifting their focus to the positive aspects of camp, they can start to appreciate the experience and minimise any anxious thoughts or feelings. Pro tip: Suggest taking photos or writing in a journal to document their memories, creating a lasting reminder of their adventures once camp is over.

4. Stay connected

Finally, communicating with your child while they’re away can help ease some of those homesick blues. Whether through letters, emails, or a scheduled phone call, staying connected can be a comforting way to bridge the gap. 

However, try not to dwell too much on how much you miss them, as this can sometimes make homesickness worse. Instead, focus on asking them about the activities they’ve enjoyed, new skills they’ve learned, and the friends they’ve made.

 

Book your child’s adventure camp today! 

Now that you’re supplied with these helpful homesickness tips, it’s time to look forward to your child’s adventure camp with confidence! PGL have been successfully organising camps in Australia since 2014 and our experienced staff provide ample support for campers adjusting to life away from home. 

We prioritise safety and fun above all else, offering a wide variety of engaging outdoor activities suitable for all ages, whether on a school camp, holiday camp, or group camp adventure.

We run camps in Victoria at (PGL Campaspe Downs & PGL Camp Rumbug) and Queensland at (PGL Kindilan). Contact us today and watch your child thrive!