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Comforting
Camp-sick Campers
Life at camp brings new challenges, new
activities, and new friends. Leaving all
this fun and excitement is often a letdown
for children. It doesn't help that the
end of camp may signal the start of school
with all its stresses and demands. When
camp comes to an end, the blues can often
set in — causing some children to
be tired, moody, quieter than usual, or
even irritable or grumpy. The American
Camp Association® (ACA) recommends
these tips to help your camp-sick camper:
- Nothing beats a hot shower — Welcome
your camper home by helping them relax
and adjust to the slower pace of non-camp
life. Suggest they take a warm shower
and get plenty of rest. Plan to have
an "old favorite" for dinner.
- Familiar favorites — Have
your child reconnect with friends from
the neighborhood or school. Encourage
play dates and get-togethers to help
re-establish a sense of belonging with
friends they haven't seen in a long time.
- Contact camp cronies — Allow
your child to write, e-mail, or call
camp friends. Many camps encourage campers
to exchange e-mail and IM addresses with
one another. Parents should oversee their
child's online activities and make sure
that all camp policies are being followed.
- This one time, at camp... — Be
open and available to talk about camp.
Allowing your children to reflect on
their friends, their favorite moment
at camp, and what they miss most about
camp will help.
- It's not too soon for a camp reunion — Organize
a small "reunion" of more local
camp friends can help reassure your child
that though his or her friends are out
of sight, they are not out of mind!
Not all children show signs of camp-sickness,
but if your child does, just remember that
they miss camp because it is a safe, supportive,
nurturing environment. It's normal and
natural for children to miss the close
relationships developed at camp. Families
can help ease any sadness by being supportive
and understanding — and helping their
camper remember that next summer is not
that far away.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317
or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson or for more information
about coping with camp sickness. For customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/media.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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