The cornerstone of homesickness prevention is parents' attitudes.  When parents express confidence, optimism, and a positive attitude about camp, children follow their lead.

It's normal for children to ask, in the months prior to opening day, "What if I feel homesick at camp?"  Sadly, many well-intentioned parents provide an answer that virtually guarantees intense homesickness.  "If you feel homesick," they say, "I'll come and get you."  This is what camp professionals regretfully refer to as "The Pick-Up Deal." 

The tragedy of "The Pick-Up Deal" is how it undermines children's confidence in themselves and gives them something about which to be preoccupied.  When you think about it, the subtext of the promise "If you feel homesick, I'll come and get you" is basically "I have so little confidence in your ability to cope with these feelings that I think the only solution is for me to come and rescue you."  In The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success, you'll learn the best way to respond to children's questions and concerns about staying at camp.  You'll also learn the best ways to reply to a homesick letter, the best homesickness preparation tips, and the best ways to provide parenting from afar.  Order The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success.