Keeping Campers Engaged: Creative Solutions for Avoiding Homesickness

Homesickness is a natural part of the camp experience, but with the right approach, you can turn those teary-eyed goodbyes into excited hellos. Campers who feel connected, engaged, and supported are more likely to fully embrace their time at camp—and go home with amazing memories instead of counting down the days until they leave.

So, how do you keep campers engaged, happy, and homesickness-free? Try these creative solutions!

1. Create a Sense of Belonging from Day One 🤝

The first 24 hours of camp are crucial. The faster campers feel like they belong, the less time they’ll spend missing home.

✅ Example: Assign each camper a buddy or a counselor mentor to check in with them regularly. Small, intentional connections can make a big difference.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with name games, icebreakers, and team-building activities within the first few hours of arrival to help campers bond quickly.

2. Keep Campers Busy with Engaging Activities 🎨🏹

Idle time can lead to wandering thoughts and homesick feelings. Keep a structured but fun schedule packed with exciting, hands-on activities that capture campers' attention.

✅ Example: One camp introduced an evening “choose your own adventure” session, where campers pick from options like campfire storytelling, night hikes, or glow-in-the-dark capture the flag. This keeps evenings exciting, reducing nighttime homesickness.

💡 Pro Tip: Identify which activities make campers light up and encourage them to sign up for more of those sessions throughout camp.

3. Provide Comfort & Familiarity 🏕️

Bringing small comforts from home can help ease anxiety and give campers a sense of security in a new environment.

✅ Example: Allow campers to bring a stuffed animal, a small photo, or a letter from home that they can turn to when they need a little reassurance.

💡 Pro Tip: Some camps do a "Mail from Home" program, where parents write encouraging notes for their kids in advance, to be delivered throughout camp. This gives campers a boost without relying on daily phone calls.

4. Train Staff to Spot & Support Homesick Campers 👀

Your camp staff are the first line of support, so equipping them with homesickness management strategies is key.

✅ Example: Teach counselors to redirect homesick campers by engaging them in a conversation about their favorite camp activities or helping them set a small goal (like trying a new skill).

💡 Pro Tip: Have counselors share their own experiences of overcoming homesickness to show campers they’re not alone.

5. Create Positive Routines & Traditions 🎭

Familiar routines make campers feel safe and secure while adding fun traditions gives them something to look forward to every day.

✅ Example: One camp does a "Morning High-Five" circle where every camper and staff member greets each other at breakfast. This small ritual builds community and connection from the start of each day.

💡 Pro Tip: End each night with a reflection circle, where campers share their best moments of the day. This keeps their focus on the positive experiences rather than thinking about home.

Final Thoughts

Homesickness doesn’t have to define a camper’s experience. With strong engagement, structured activities, and supportive staff, campers will feel at home in no time.

🚀 Want more ideas to create a camp where kids thrive? Start by fostering connection, excitement, and confidence in every camper!