A Parent’s Guide to First-Time Campers: What to Expect (and What Not to Worry About)
Packing lists, homesickness, and peace of mind: everything you need to know before drop-off day.
The decision is made. Your child is going to summer camp. Now comes the wave of questions that keeps you up at night: Will they be okay? What if they get homesick? Am I forgetting something crucial on the packing list?
Take a deep breath. You’re not alone in these feelings, and more importantly, you’re giving your child an incredible gift. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to prepare both you and your first-time camper for the adventure ahead.
Understanding What Your Child Will Experience
Before we dive into packing lists and logistics, let’s talk about what Camp actually looks like for your child. At camps like Camp Ondessonk, kids experience a structured daily schedule with activities like Hiking, Horseback Riding, and Swimming, shared cabin living that fosters teamwork and social skills, and limited screen time that allows them to fully engage in nature and new friendships.
This might sound overwhelming to your child (and honestly, maybe to you too), but it’s designed to build confidence and independence in a safe, supervised environment. Camp Ondessonk is ACA accredited, meeting over 300 standards in site safety, facilities, staffing practices, and operating procedures, a testament to the structured safety protocols in place at quality camps.
The Homesickness Reality Check: What Research Actually Shows
Let’s address the elephant in the room: homesickness. It’s probably your biggest worry as a parent sending your child away for the first time, and understandably so.
Here’s what the research tells us: In a recent study, nearly 96 percent of all boys and girls who were spending two weeks or more at an overnight camp reported some homesickness on at least one day. Before you panic, read that again, on at least one day. A study also showed that 83 percent of campers reported homesickness on at least one day of camp, with the prescription for homesickness being a simple solution of preparation and patience.
The truth? Feeling homesick is completely normal and actually a sign of healthy attachment. Homesickness is best understood as a temporary state of anxiety caused by missing family, pets, and rituals that bring comfort and stability to a child’s life. The keyword here is temporary.
Even better news: According to the American Camp Association, most children overcome homesickness within the first 48 hours when given support and reassurance. While most incidents of homesickness pass in a day or two, research shows that about seven percent of cases are severe. This means the vast majority of children work through these feelings and have a fantastic time.
How to Prepare Your Child Before Camp
The best defense against severe homesickness? Preparation. Here’s your pre-camp game plan:
Practice Independence Throughout the Year
The American Camp Association suggests encouraging your child’s independence throughout the year to help them deal with homesickness at summer camp. This doesn’t mean sending them away to boarding school; it’s about small, manageable steps.
Encourage your child to independently complete small tasks, such as packing their bag, making their bed, or handling basic hygiene without reminders to help them feel more self-sufficient when they arrive at camp.
Try Sleepovers and Practice Separations
Planning several sleepovers where you resist the urge to pack their bags for them or check on them is a good way to practice not having direct or constant contact. Have them spend the night at a friend’s house or with relatives. Each successful separation builds confidence.
Build Excitement Through Open Communication
Discussing what camp life will be like and building excitement, arranging sleepovers or practice nights away from home, and letting them help pack their bags to feel involved are key preparation strategies.
Talk about the activities they’ll try, the friends they’ll make, and the adventures waiting for them. Watching videos on Camp Ondessonk’s YouTube page or your chosen camp’s media can help make camp feel more tangible and less scary.
Important caveat: Your plan should NOT be “Give it a couple of days and if you don’t like it, we will come get you,” as this will set them up to give it a couple of days and knock the confidence right out of them. Express confidence in their ability to succeed.
Create a Coping Plan Together
Work with your child to identify coping strategies, such as taking 10 deep breaths, traveling to a happy place in your mind, or packing a certain stuffed animal. Having these tools ready means they won’t feel helpless if anxiety strikes.
The Essential Summer Camp Packing Guide
Now for the practical stuff. Every camp provides its own specific packing list, and you should absolutely follow it. But here are the universal first-time camper tips for packing:
The Golden Rules
- Label Everything – Laundry pens, iron-on labels, and press and stick labels will distinguish your camper’s belongings from those of other cabin, with most camps asking that you label each item including clothing, personal items, and toiletries.
- Pack Light – Packing light helps campers keep track of items and guarantees that they can handle their own luggage at Camp.
- Break In New Items – Sending a camper in brand-new hiking boots can result in sore feet and time spent sitting out of exciting activities. Wear those shoes around the house and neighborhood for at least a week before Camp.
- Pack Together – The more ownership your camper has in packing decisions, the easier the adjustment and transition to Camp will be.
- Use Organizational Systems – Make it easier for your child to choose what to wear each day by helping them pick out outfits ahead of time and putting each separate outfit in its own Ziploc bag and keep wet bathing suits isolated to ensure they don’t get other clothing items wet.
What to Pack (The Essentials)
Clothing:
- Enough casual clothes for the session length plus 2-3 extras
- Rain jacket or hoodie
- Warm layer for cool evenings
- Multiple pairs of comfortable, broken-in shoes
- Plenty of socks and underwear
Bedding:
- Sleeping bag or twin sheets (check your camp’s requirements)
- Pillow
- Extra blanket for chilly nights
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo
- Sunscreen (lots of it!)
- Bug spray
- Towels for showering and swimming
Extras:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle
- Stationery and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes
- Small comfort item from home (stuffed animal or family photo)
- Day backpack for activities
- Battery powered fan (with extra batteries)
What NOT to Pack
Respect your camp’s “do not bring” list. Typically, this includes:
- Electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices)
- Expensive jewelry or valuables
- Inappropriate clothing
- Food (due to allergy protocols and wildlife concerns)
- Weapons of any kind
Most day and overnight camps do not allow campers to have cell phones, which is a wonderful benefit of camp, as children take a break from their personal devices while at camp to connect with peers and staff, an opportunity for a technology detox and to communicate face-to-face without screens.
Communication: Staying Connected the Right Way
Here’s where many well-intentioned parents make mistakes that can actually increase homesickness.
Letters Are Gold
Many directors encourage their campers to write home regularly to their parents, brothers, and sisters, and parents should give their child pre-addressed, stamped envelopes or postcards so they can keep informed of camp activities.
Pack self-addressed envelopes in their luggage and have them write a good ol’ letter to someone before camp so they’re comfortable with the format.
When you write to your camper:
- Send a note or postcard in advance to the camp so there will be a personalized touch of home when your child arrives
- Assure the camper that you know they are having a good time and express enthusiasm for the camp’s activities
- Don’t go into great detail about what’s going on at home since young adventurers might feel they’re missing something back home, and don’t mention how much you miss them or that the dog and cat miss them
Resist the Urge to Call
Counselors are trained to recognize and deal with symptoms of homesickness, so parents don’t need to worry about calling on the first day just about bedtime to see how their camper is doing. Trust the process and the trained staff.
Drop-Off Day: Your Final Act
The day has arrived. You’ve packed, prepared, and practiced. Now comes the moment that might be harder on you than your child.
Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet
A quick, cheerful farewell helps them transition smoothly. Lingering makes it harder for everyone. A brief hug, an expression of excitement for their adventure, and then let them go dive into camp activities.
Refrain from bawling until they can’t see you, take a deep breath, trust, and remind yourself that you are giving them an awesome gift.
Stay Positive
Express enthusiasm about Camp and highlight fun activities, and let them handle small responsibilities before Camp like packing their own bag. Your confidence becomes their confidence.
It is important to minimize homesickness and provide a full Camp experience to all campers, so camps discourage parents of first-year campers from volunteering due to the increased risk of homesickness for your child and others in their unit. Let them have this experience fully.
What Not to Worry About: Real Talk for Anxious Parents
Let’s be honest about what keeps you up at night and why you can let those worries go:
“What if they don’t make friends?”
Camp is specifically designed for connection. The counseling and activity staff is predominantly made up of former campers who have worked their way up the ranks, meaning they understand exactly what your child is going through. The structured activities, shared living spaces, and collaborative games naturally facilitate friendships.
“What if something goes wrong?”
ACA accreditation means meeting over 300 standards in site safety, facilities, staffing practices, and operating procedures. Your Camp has protocols for everything from minor injuries to severe weather. They’ve done this hundreds or thousands of times before.
“What if they’re the only one who’s homesick?”
According to psychologist Michael Thompson, 97 percent of children experience at least some occasional homesick feelings at camp. Your child is definitely not alone, and counselors are specifically trained to help.
“What if they don’t eat the food?”
Most camps offer varied menus with familiar options. Even picky eaters find something they’ll eat. Plus, a week of not eating their absolute favorite meals won’t harm them and might actually expand their palate.
When to Step In: Knowing the Difference
Here’s the hard truth: Some homesickness is expected and beneficial. Parents shouldn’t feel guilty about encouraging their child to stay at Camp, as for many children Camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.
However, parents should trust their instincts, as while most incidents of homesickness will pass in a day or two, approximately seven percent of cases are severe, and if your child is not eating or sleeping because of anxiety or depression it is time to go home.
If the Camp Director contacts you with serious concerns, take them seriously. But also know that camps will typically try multiple strategies before making that call. For any camper to leave camp, they need to first get permission from the Camp Director and also need to talk with parents, it’s not an impulsive decision.
The Gift You’re Really Giving
Sending your child to Camp for the first time is an act of love and faith. You’re telling them: “I believe you can do hard things. I believe you can handle new experiences. I believe in you.”
Dr. Michael Thompson, child psychologist and author of Homesick and Happy, emphasizes that time away from home allows children to develop problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of self, as camp is a place where children learn how to navigate friendships, work as a team, and make decisions independently.
Yes, there might be tears at drop-off (possibly yours as much as theirs). Yes, their letters home might include moments of “I miss you.” But there will also be stories of conquering the Climbing Wall, making a best friend, singing silly camp songs, and discovering they’re braver than they thought.
When you pick them up, you won’t be collecting the same child you dropped off. As one parent reflected: “The little 11-year-old girl that we dropped off to Camp was not the same girl we picked up. She had blossomed so much in that one week. She developed this confidence and independence that was so wonderful to see. That confidence and acceptance she gained from Camp Ondessonk has allowed her to thrive in school and other social settings”.
That transformation? That’s worth a week of missing them.
Your Pre-Camp Checklist
8-12 Weeks Before:
- ☐ Review camp’s parent resources and handbook
- ☐ Attend any parent orientations or webinars offered
- ☐ Start talking positively about camp with your child
- ☐ Begin practicing independence skills
4-6 Weeks Before:
- ☐ Order any specialty camp gear needed
- ☐ Schedule sleepovers for practice
- ☐ Review the packing list with your child
- ☐ Develop coping strategies together
2 Weeks Before:
- ☐ Start packing together
- ☐ Label all items
- ☐ Break in new shoes
- ☐ Write letters to arrive at camp when they do
1 Week Before:
- ☐ Prepare pre-addressed, stamped envelopes
- ☐ Review camp schedule and expectations
- ☐ Keep conversations positive and exciting
- ☐ Confirm drop-off logistics
Drop-Off Day:
- ☐ Arrive on time but don’t linger
- ☐ Keep goodbye brief and upbeat
- ☐ Trust the process
- ☐ Plan something nice for yourself
Additional Resources
For more detailed information and support:
- Camp Ondessonk Parent Resources: Visit their comprehensive parent resources page for session-specific details, packing lists, and FAQs
- American Camp Association: www.acacamps.org offers extensive research, expert advice, and tips for families
- Your Camp’s Director: Never hesitate to reach out with specific questions or concerns. Dan King, Executive Director dan.king@ondessonk.com
The Bottom Line
Sending your child to Camp for the first time is a big deal for both of you. But armed with preparation, realistic expectations, and trust in the process, you’re setting them up for an experience that could shape their entire lives.
Your first-time Camper may come home with mismatched socks, stories that make no sense, and probably a few items from the lost and found that aren’t theirs. They’ll also come home with new skills, confidence, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
That’s the magic of Camp. And now you’re ready for it.
Ready to take the leap? Remember: You’re not sending them away, you’re giving them the gift of growing up.
