Is My Child Ready for an Overnight Camp? Signs to Look For
Understanding the Transition to Overnight Camp
Sending a child to an overnight camp is a significant milestone for both the child and the parent. It can build independence, foster new friendships, and help kids develop essential life skills. But many parents struggle with one critical question: Is my child ready for sleepaway camp?
According to the American Camp Association (ACA), over 26 million children attend camp in the U.S. each year, and of those, approximately 14 million go to resident (overnight) camps [American Camp Association, 2023]. Choosing when to take that leap depends on your child’s emotional, social, and physical readiness—not just their age.
Below, we’ll explore expert-backed signs to help determine if your child is ready for overnight camp and how you can best prepare them for a positive camp experience.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready for Overnight Camp
1. They’ve Had Successful Sleepovers
If your child has stayed overnight with relatives or friends without issue, it’s a strong indicator of their readiness. According to child development experts with the American Psychological Association (APA), successful separation in low-stakes environments (like sleepovers) builds confidence. It reduces anxiety when transitioning to prolonged separations like overnight camp [APA, 2022].
2. They’re Curious About Camp
If your child actively asks questions like “What do you do at summer camp?” or “Can I go with my friend?” this curiosity often signals growing emotional maturity and interest in new experiences.
3. They Can Follow Instructions and Manage Basic Self-Care
Camp life requires children to handle simple routines like brushing their teeth, changing clothes, and keeping track of their belongings. The ACA notes that children who can manage basic daily tasks tend to adjust more successfully to overnight camp settings [ACA, 2023].
4. They Show Resilience and Adaptability
A key trait for overnight camp success is resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Children who recover from disappointments or solve minor problems on their own are often well-suited for the independent nature of overnight camp.
5. They’ve Expressed Interest in Making New Friends or Trying New Things
Camps are social environments. If your child shows enthusiasm for group activities, making friends, or learning new skills, these are green flags that they’ll likely thrive in a camp setting.
Common Parental Concerns—and How to Address Them
“What if my child gets homesick?”
Homesickness is natural, especially during the first experience away from home. The APA emphasizes the importance of preparing children emotionally by discussing homesickness in advance and practicing coping strategies [APA, 2022].
The ACA recommends using positive messaging—instead of saying, “I’ll miss you so much,” try “I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to hear your stories!” [ACA, 2023].
“What if they have special needs or anxiety?”
Many camps support children with social, emotional, or developmental needs. It’s essential to communicate openly with camp staff beforehand. Ask about available resources like trained mental health professionals, camper buddy systems, and routine flexibility.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Successful Overnight Camp Experience
Involve Them in the Process
Allowing your child to help choose the camp, pack their bag, and learn about activities gives them a sense of ownership and excitement.
Practice Overnight Stays
Build their confidence by arranging a few practice overnight stays with grandparents or family friends in the months leading up to Camp.
Teach Self-Reliance Skills
Go over daily routines, label personal items, and practice tasks like making their bed or organizing belongings.
Be Honest and Encouraging
Validate their feelings, acknowledge their nervousness, and remind them of past situations where they’ve handled being away from home well.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process and Know the Signs
Not every child is ready for overnight camp at the same age—and that’s okay. Emotional readiness is more important than a specific birthday. Look for signs of maturity, independence, and interest, and take small steps to build confidence over time.
Remember: A positive overnight camp experience can be life-changing. It nurtures independence, boosts self-esteem, and gives kids lifelong memories and friendships. With preparation, communication, and support, your child’s first sleepaway adventure can be one of their most empowering experiences yet.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Parent Resouces.
References
- American Camp Association. (2023). Youth Outcomes of the Camp Experience. https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/research/youth-outcomes-camp-experience
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Helping children deal with homesickness. https://www.apa.org/topics/parenting/homesickness
- Thompson, M. (2012). Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow. Ballantine Books.
- Thurber, C. A., & Malinowski, J. C. (2000). Summer camp as a therapeutic landscape: The importance of context in health promotion. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 9(3), 515–532.