Please know, coming home from camp is a big transition \u2014 not just for your camper, but for you, too. As exciting as it is to have them back, it\u2019s important to give them space to adjust. Here are a few helpful DO’s and DON\u2019Ts to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
DON\u2019T:<\/strong>\u00a0Over Schedule<\/p>\n Your child may be exhausted. The end of camp is often packed with high-energy events, and the final night is usually emotional \u2014 with little sleep as campers stay up late saying goodbye, sharing memories, and writing bus\/plane notes for the trip home. Wake ups on departure day may also begin early.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Hold off on restaurant outings, extended family visits, or any big plans. Skip the appointment the next morning \u2014 chances are, they\u2019ll want to sleep in. A lot.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T:<\/strong>\u00a0Over-Grill or Interrogate<\/p>\n It\u2019s natural to want to hear everything right away \u2014 but your child may not be ready to share it just yet. Camp is a special world, and stepping out of that \u201ccamp bubble\u201d takes time.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Keep it low-key. Trust that stories will come \u2014 sometimes days, weeks, or even months later. Let them lead.<\/p>\n DO:\u00a0<\/strong>Anticipate \u201cCampsickness\u201d<\/p>\n Leaving camp can be hard. Campers form deep friendships, build independence, and experience joy in a unique way. It\u2019s normal to feel a little down after it ends \u2014 a feeling often called \u201ccampsickness.\u201d<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Some kids will bounce back quickly; others may need time to adjust. Let them take the lead in staying in touch with camp friends \u2014 whether it\u2019s FaceTime, phone calls, or just reminiscing<\/p>\n DO:\u00a0<\/strong>Learn about camp traditions.<\/p>\n Your camper will come home with a lot of stories and new cheers, learn them and engage in them \u2013 you may have fun yourself!<\/p>\n Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Just go along with it, you may not have a clue what the chants are, but if you get excited your camper will appreciate it!<\/p>\n DON\u2019T:\u00a0<\/strong>Overstress on lost & found.<\/p>\n Stuff will get lost at camp, it\u2019s natural with so many people. Don\u2019t get too worried.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Wash everything that comes home in their bag.<\/p>\n DO:\u00a0<\/strong>Give your camper big hugs and kisses, they missed you too!<\/p>\n They will want affection and attention (even teenagers), you missed them and that is perfectly normal<\/p>\n Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>Make sure to get the contact sheets so you can connect with their camp friend\u2019s parents too.<\/p>\n Bottom Line:<\/strong><\/p>\n Let them ease back in. Give them space, sleep, and time. The stories (and the smiles) will come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Please know, coming home from camp is a big transition \u2014 not just for your camper, but for you, too. …<\/p>\n