Homesickness at Camp

January 26th, 2026

A Compassionate, Child-Centered Approach— perfect for First-Time Overnight Campers

For many families, choosing an overnight summer camp, especially for a first-time camper, comes with big questions. Will my child feel safe? Will they be supported if they miss home? What if camp feels harder than expected?

At Growing Routes, we believe homesickness is not a failure —it’s a normal, human response to new experiences and meaningful transitions. Our approach is grounded in empathy, flexibility, and deep respect for each child’s emotional world.

We have been described by parents as the best overnight camp in Maine for first-time campers because of our small-group format and how we prioritize emotional safety just as much as physical safety.

Our Homesickness Philosophy

We take an individualized, compassionate approach to homesickness. Before camp, we ask families to share insights about their camper so we can be ready to support them from day one. Our counselors are trained to respond with empathy, and we offer kids agency, choice, and—if parents approve—the option to call home. Feeling heard, supported, and in control can make all the difference.

Homesickness is a normal part of the camp experience—and also a meaningful opportunity for growth. At Growing Routes, our goal is not to push children to “tough it out at all costs,” but to support them as whole people while gently encouraging confidence, independence, and self-trust.

This approach is especially supportive for:

First-time overnight campers
Middle school kids navigating big emotions
Thoughtful, sensitive, or anxious kids
Campers who thrive in small, relationship-based environments

How We Support Homesick Campers

Preparation Before Camp —

Before camp begins, we ask families to share insight into what might help their child feel secure and grounded if homesickness does arrive—whether that’s a comfort item, a bedtime routine, or a specific reassurance that helps during moments of overwhelm. This allows our staff to begin camp already attuned to each camper’s needs.

During Camp —

Our counselors are trained to recognize both obvious and subtle signs of homesickness. Because we are intentionally small and maintain a very high staff-to-camper ratio, counselors have the time and emotional bandwidth to truly notice and connect with each child.

Campers are met with:

Empathy instead of dismissal
Curiosity instead of pressure
Reassurance instead of comparison

We focus on building strong, trusting relationships from day one—often the single most important factor in helping homesickness ease.

Camper Agency & Choice

We believe that agency reduces anxiety.

Campers are invited into conversations about how they’re feeling and what might help. Counselors ask supportive questions like:

“What usually helps when you’re missing home?”

“Are there parts of the day that feel easier or harder?”

“Would it feel good to have some quiet time, or to jump into something active?”

Small, thoughtful adjustments—like extra time with a trusted adult, switching activity groups, reading on the porch, or helping in the kitchen—often make a big difference.

Calling Home: A Supportive Option

At Growing Routes, campers may call home with parent approval if that feels supportive. We’ve found that simply knowing they can talk to their family often reduces anxiety and helps kids settle in more quickly.

We work collaboratively with families to decide what approach feels best for each child, understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to homesickness.

Growth Without Pressure

We gently encourage campers to try new things, stay engaged, and build resilience — but we never force participation or insist a child do something they are not emotionally ready for.

We work collaboratively with both parents and campers to determine the best approach for each child’s well-being and growth. Every family’s goals and comfort levels are unique and considered alongside the camper’s needs, so decisions about how to navigate homesickness or challenging moments are made thoughtfully and with care.

Our goal in approaching homesickness is always the same:

To ensure the child feels heard, respected, and supported
To help them learn about their own needs and boundaries
To leave camp feeling proud of what they tried

This philosophy is part of why many families searching “where should I send my daughter to camp?” find Growing Routes a meaningful and supportive choice — balancing safety, independence, and growth for both first-time and returning campers.

A Reassuring Environment for First-Time Overnight Campers

Growing Routes is intentionally small, relational, and child-centered. Our quiet rhythms, familiar routines, and family-style living create an environment that feels safe and manageable—especially for campers who may feel overwhelmed by large, high-energy camps.

Parents often tell us their child left camp feeling — seen, heard, known, supported, and more confident than when they arrived.

A Final Note to Parents

Choosing an overnight camp takes trust. We take that trust seriously.

If you’re wondering whether Growing Routes is the right place for your child—especially if they’re nervous about being away from home—we’re always happy to talk. These conversations help families make thoughtful choices and ensure camp is a positive experience for everyone involved.

Feel free to email info@growingroutes.org anytime. Let’s chat!