What is a productive approach when a camper is homesick?

• A. Threaten consequences
• B. Tell them that the feeling is normal and can improve with effort
• C. Tell them to ignore it
• D. Send them home immediately

Answer: (B)

When a camper is homesick, the key is to acknowledge the feeling as real and explain that it’s a common part of adjusting to camp life, and that it can get better with effort. This normalization helps reduce anxiety and invites the camper to engage in practical coping steps rather than feeling dismissed or overwhelmed. A supportive response might say that many people feel this way at first, and then offer concrete ways to cope: maintain a familiar routine, join activities with a buddy, tackle small tasks to create a sense of accomplishment, set short-term goals for each day, and reach out to a counselor or staff member for a quick check-in. This approach reinforces that homesickness is manageable and that the camper has tools and support to adjust, promoting resilience and ongoing participation in camp life. Conversely, threats, telling them to ignore the feeling, or sending them home can heighten distress and undermine the opportunity to develop coping skills.