Homesickness: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

BY NINA K. GLASER, THE GAZETTE

Would anyone reading this article be surprised to learn that most sleepaway campers experience homesickness (especially first-time campers)? Probably not, as camp puts children in a new environment with new challenges, surrounded by new people, missing family members, pets, and the rituals of everyday life as they know it for most of the year.

The sadness and anxiety brought on by homesickness can be mitigated if you talk about it before they leave for camp. Start the conversation by acknowledging that going away to camp is a big step to take, and their going fills you with parental pride. Then, reassure them that it is okay to miss home and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about (even camp counselors have a pang of homesickness every now and then!). If you were a camper, share your experiences with homesickness: Did you hug a stuffed animal? Read a book? Write in a journal? Go for a