Time flies when you’re having fun and your campers will be home soon! The transition to “the real world” isn’t always easy for you and your campers. Here are some tips to help both of you make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Don’t take it personally.
They’ll be SO happy to see you. They might also be very, very sad.
They’re sad to leave camp! They’re sad to leave their friends! They’re sad to leave their counselors! They’re sad to leave their independence and camp persona! It’s okay (great actually)! It means you gave them the best gift ever.
- Remember: They’re exhausted.
In the last week alone, they experienced Color Days, the play, song and cheer, a gymnastics show, banquet, packing and more. Over the past seven weeks they’ve been living with ten other people, hanging out with friends day and night, and participating in activities from sun up to sun down. Enough said.
- Be patient.
It might take a few hours or a few days for them to seem entirely “on.” Nothing is wrong. They just need time! Things that are normal: wanting to talk to their camp friends immediately, all-day, every day for a few days (yes, they just spent seven weeks with them – we know). Wanting to spend some time alone before jumping into the deep end of home life (think family gatherings, sporting events, play dates). Wanting some down time to relax and recalibrate.
- Focus on small moments. You’ll learn more!
Good questions:
What was this morning like?
Which activity was your favorite?
Who was the goofiest counselor in your bunk?
Less good questions/statements:
Tell me EVERYTHING about camp.
Can you explain your weekly schedule?
What were your counselors like?
Ask a few, manageable, lighthearted questions every hour on that first day. You’ll learn a lot without overwhelming your fresh-off-the-bus camper.
- Give them wings.
At camp they were the most independent versions of themselves and they’re still basking in the glow of those camp freedoms. Remember the first time you came home from college? You were different! Think about small liberties you can introduce to reinforce your camper’s summer growth. If you have an eight-year-old who didn’t make their bed before camp, encourage them to make the bed at home. Having your camper do things for themself at home will continue the summer’s momentum and make them feel happy and confident. And isn’t that what this whole camp thing was about from the start?
