How We Handle Missing Home

Helping Your Child Navigate Missing Home at Kenesserie Camp

At Kenesserie Camp we recognize that missing home is a natural part of being away from home for campers. Whether it’s a first-time camper or a returning one, missing home—even just a little—is completely normal. Our goal is to acknowledge these feelings, provide support, and help campers gain confidence and independence. With the right preparation and mindset, your child can overcome homesickness and have an amazing camp experience. Here are some ways you can set them up for success at camp!

Preparing for Camp

Do ✅
  • Research the camp and understand its policies.
  • Talk positively about the camp experience.
  • Encourage independence with sleepovers.
  • Help your child develop social skills.
  • Visit the camp before their stay.
Don't ❌
  • Speak negatively about separation.
  • Offer a pick-up clause
  • Promise constant communication.
Visit us at our Open House on June 1st!

View Our Policies Here

Supporting Your Camper During Camp

Do ✅
  • Send positive, encouraging letters.
  • Trust the camp staff.
  • Contact us if you have concerns.
  • Understand that homesickness is normal.
Don't ❌
  • Try to talk to your child at camp.
  • Write about missing them.
  • Visit unexpectedly.

How we support your camper

We call it “Missing Home”

Instead of using the word "homesick," we refer to it as “missing home.” This small shift in language helps campers see their feelings as normal rather than something that makes them feel unwell.

One-on-One Support

Our staff are trained to recognize when a camper may be feeling a little down. Often, spending some one-on-one time with a counselor, sharing a laugh, or engaging in a fun activity can help campers feel more at ease.

Bedtime & Mealtime Strategies

These are the most common times when campers may start to miss home. We take the time to ask about their usual bedtime routine and find ways to incorporate familiar comforts—like a bedtime story or a quiet chat—to help them settle in.

Bringing a Piece of Home to Camp

We encourage campers to stay connected to home in meaningful ways, such as writing letters to loved ones, creating crafts for family members, or sharing their favorite parts of camp with their counselors and friends.

Our Policy on Phone Calls

We know that hearing a parent’s voice can sometimes make missing home more difficult. Because of this, campers do not call home. In very rare and extreme cases, the Executive Director may make an exception, but this is not part of our usual approach.

Our Goal

Our goal is to help campers build confidence and resilience while making incredible memories. Most campers who feel unsure at first end up having an amazing time! Our staff are here to support them every step of the way.
If you have any concerns about your child adjusting to camp, feel free to reach out before their session begins—we’re happy to chat!

By sending your child to Kenesserie Camp, you’re giving them a gift—the chance to develop confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them for life. We are here to support your camper every step of the way and can’t wait to help them create unforgettable memories at camp!