Camp staff can help homesick campers by:

• A. Sending them home
• B. Asking about homesickness, empathizing, and suggesting ways to cope
• C. Ignoring homesickness
• D. Telling them to tough it out

Answer: (C)

When campers feel homesick, the most effective approach is to respond with empathy and practical support that helps them cope while staying engaged at camp. Start by inviting the camper to share what they’re missing and listen with understanding, validating their feelings rather than brushing them aside. Normalizing homesickness helps reduce shame and anxiety: it’s a common reaction when routines suddenly change.

Together, develop simple coping strategies you can try right away. Re-establish or reinforce a daily routine to create predictability, pair them with a buddy to reduce isolation, and encourage participation in activities that match their interests. A familiar object from home or a photo can provide comfort, and setting small, achievable daily goals helps rebuild confidence and a sense of belonging. If appropriate, help them plan safe ways to connect with family, and arrange for regular check-ins with a staff member to monitor how they’re doing.

If distress continues or intensifies, bring in a trained counselor or program staff to assess and address underlying issues, rather than leaving the camper to cope alone. The aim is to validate feelings, teach coping skills, and maintain the camper’s safety and engagement.

Alternatives that remove the camper from camp or dismiss their feelings—such as sending them home, ignoring the issue, or telling them to “tough it out”—miss the chance to build resilience and can undermine the camper’s ability to adapt and enjoy the camp experience.