It doesn’t matter if it’s the first or fourth time you’re dropping your little pookie off at camp, it’s always an emotional roller coaster. So we here at Black Hills Family thought it would be helpful to share some of our ideas for critical conversations to have surrounding camp.
3 Things to Ask Your Kid’s Camp Counselor
For parents, sleep-away camp is all about trust. You’re handing over the emotional and physical wellbeing of your child to a relative stranger. Everyday routines — the nightly bowl of cereal, the specific bedtime song — are about to be flipped on their heads.
But that’s the beauty of the experience: kids get to discover their own resourcefulness and adaptability. To help you bridge that gap of trust, here are three intentional questions to ask your child’s counselor or other camp leaders during or before drop-off.
How do you help your campers feel “at home?”
Every child handles homesickness differently. By asking this, you aren’t just looking for a checklist; you’re looking to see if the counselor has a nurturing strategy. Whether they use team-building games, one-on-one check-ins or goofy cabin rituals, knowing they have a plan to create a “cabin family” will put your mind at ease.
How many years have you been a counselor, and what keeps you coming back?
Experience matters, but enthusiasm matters more. This question helps you gauge their maturity and their “why.” A counselor who returns year after year because they love seeing kids gain confidence is a counselor who will truly invest in your child’s growth.
What are some ways you’re planning to encourage my child to try new things?
Camp is the ultimate laboratory for courage. You want to know that the counselor isn’t just a supervisor, but a facilitator of growth. This question tells the counselor that you value the “stretch” moments — like climbing the high ropes course or trying a new craft — just as much as the fun moments.
3 Things to Discuss with Your Child Before Drop-Off
While the counselor handles the environment, you handle the mindset. Before the trunk is packed and the car is loaded, have a “huddle” with your camper to set expectations.
The Two Truths of Homesickness
It is important to validate that feeling sad is normal without making it scary. Tell them: “It is possible to be incredibly brave and still feel a little bit sad at the same time.” The Goal: Normalizing the “missing home” feeling so they don’t feel like they are “failing” at camp when it happens.
The Social Green Light
Remind your child that at camp, everyone is looking for a friend. Give them permission to be the one who starts the conversation — or, better yet, help them see it’s their mission to help other kids feel comfortable. The Script:“If you see someone sitting alone, they are probably waiting for someone like you to say hi. You have the green light to introduce yourself to anyone, anytime.”
Problem-Solving Without a Phone
This is often the hardest adjustment for modern kids. Since they can’t text you when they lose their toothbrush or have a disagreement with a cabin mate, they need a plan. The Strategy:Identify who their “Go-To” people are (their counselor or other leaders). Remind them that at camp, using your voice is a superpower.
Quick Tips for the “Big Goodbye”
To make the transition as smooth as possible, keep the actual drop-off brief.
Like a “Band-Aid”:Keep the goodbye short and sweet. Long, emotional goodbyes often trigger more anxiety for the child.
Watch Your Body Language:If you look worried, they will feel worried. Even if you’re crying inside, keep a “this is going to be great!” face until you get back to the car.
The “I Want to Come Home” Call
If your child gets to a phone begging to come home, don’t panic. This is often a “venting” moment, not a crisis.
Listen and Validate: Avoid saying “You’re fine.” Instead, try: “I hear you. It sounds like things are really hard right now. I’m so proud of you for being brave.”
The “24-Hour Rule”:Ask them to give it one more day of “all-in” participation. Usually, once the next activity starts, the mood shifts.
Ask for Specifics: Instead of “What’s wrong?” Instead, ask, “What was the best part of lunch?” or “What’s one thing you want to try tomorrow?” This redirects their brain toward positive engagement.
Don’t Make “The Secret Promise”: Avoid saying, “If you still hate it in two days, I’ll come get you.” This gives them an exit strategy, which prevents them from fully committing to the camp experience.
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