One way to help campers feel more at home at camp is to

• A. Keep them isolated
• B. Help them make new friends and get involved in activities
• C. Limit activities
• D. Move them to a different group

Answer: (B)

Feeling at home at camp comes from belonging, which grows when campers build friendships and participate in activities together. When kids are encouraged to make new friends and join groups, they gain social support, confidence from trying new things, and a sense of routine and shared identity. This combination reduces homesickness and helps them see the camp as a place where they belong, not somewhere they just endure. That’s why fostering social connections and active involvement is the most effective approach: it directly creates the relationships and engagement that make camp feel like home. Keeping them isolated would cut off those connections, limiting activities reduces chances to bond, and moving them to a different group would disrupt budding friendships. Practical ideas include pairing new campers with a buddy, inviting them to join a variety of group activities, and acknowledging their participation to reinforce inclusion.