Why Parents Worry About Summer Camp—and Why It Might Be the Best Thing for Their Child

Understanding Parental Concerns About Summer Camp

Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity for children to grow, learn, and build lifelong memories. However, many parents hesitate to send their children away for an extended period, fearing they may not be ready. Concerns about safety, independence, homesickness, and social adaptability often discourage parents from taking this step. Ironically, these same concerns may be why summer camp could be the perfect environment for a child’s personal growth.

1. Fear of Homesickness and Separation Anxiety

One of the most common parental concerns is that their child will feel homesick. Parents worry about their children’s ability to cope without them, assuming that separation anxiety could be overwhelming.

Reality Check: Homesickness is natural, but it also presents a valuable opportunity for children to develop coping mechanisms and resilience. Studies have shown that Summer Camp children learn emotional regulation and independence faster than those who stay home (American Camp Association, 2021). Camp Ondessonk counselors are trained to recognize signs of homesickness and help children work through these emotions.

2. Concerns About Safety and Supervision

Parents often fear that their child will not be safe at Camp due to potential injuries, bullying, or inadequate supervision.

Reality Check: Accredited Summer Camps follow strict safety protocols, have trained staff, and provide structured environments that ensure children’s well-being. The American Camp Association (ACA) requires rigorous training in child development, emergency response, and conflict resolution to ensure a safe and positive experience (ACA, 2023). This accreditation means that Camp Ondessonk thoroughly reviews operational practices, seeks the wisdom of other summer camp professionals, and continually makes improvements within our summer camp program to comply with more than 300 written standards. Only one-fourth of summer camps in the United States have earned this mark of distinction. Additionally, Camp Ondessonk’s Equestrian Program is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association.

3. Doubts About Social Readiness

Parents may believe their child is too shy, introverted, or socially anxious to thrive in a Camp setting.

Reality Check: Camp fosters an inclusive atmosphere where children learn to communicate, collaborate, and form friendships in a way that cannot be replicated in a school or home environment. Research suggests that children who attend Summer Camp improve social skills and adaptability due to exposure to diverse peers and activities (Thurber et al., 2007).

4. Worries About Daily Responsibilities

Some parents feel their child is not ready to manage daily tasks like organizing their belongings, keeping track of schedules, or handling personal hygiene without reminders.

Reality Check: Summer Camp is a structured environment designed to teach responsibility. Through daily chores, scheduled activities, and peer collaboration, children learn self-reliance, problem-solving, and accountability—skills that translate into long-term independence (Wallace, 2019).

5. Fear of Missing Out on Family Time

Parents sometimes hesitate to send their children away, feeling they will miss out on precious moments together.

Reality Check: While time apart can be difficult, it strengthens family bonds. When children return home from Camp, they bring back newfound confidence, stories to share, and a greater appreciation for family (Wilson & Harris, 2020).

How Summer Camp Fosters Growth, Independence, and Responsibility

Instead of viewing these concerns as barriers, parents can reframe them as opportunities for their child’s development. Summer Camp is designed to:

• Build resilience through new experiences and problem-solving
• Encourage independence by requiring children to manage their schedules and belongings
• Improve social skills by fostering teamwork and friendships
• Teach responsibility through structured activities and expectations

Final Thoughts: A Life-Changing Experience

While parental concerns about Summer Camps are valid, they should not prevent children from experiencing the benefits of this transformative opportunity. By allowing children to step outside their comfort zones, parents are allowing them to develop independence, resilience, and responsibility—qualities that will serve them well into adulthood.

References

• American Camp Association. (2021). The Benefits of Summer Camp for Child Development.
• American Camp Association. (2023). Safety Standards and Accreditation.
• Thurber, C. A., et al. (2007). Homesickness and Adjustment in Summer Camps: A Review.
• Wallace, P. (2019). Raising Independent Kids: The Role of Camp Experiences.
• Wilson, L., & Harris, T. (2020). Family Bonding and the Effects of Summer Camp Experiences.