Empower Yourself: Top Tips for Camp Counsellors on Handling Homesickness

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is a reaction to being away from home. It brings on a wave of emotions because you're in a new and unfamiliar environment, separated from the familiar people, places, and routines that bring you comfort. It's a normal experience that can affect people of all ages, from children at summer camp to adults who have moved to a new city or abroad, or even university students living away from home for the first time.

What are the symptoms of homesickness?

Homesickness can manifest itself in both emotional and physical ways. Here are some common symptoms.

Emotional symptoms:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or irritable

• Withdrawing from social activities

• Feeling lonely or isolated

• Feeling overwhelmed or insecure

Physical symptoms:

• Changes in appetite

• Difficulty sleeping

• Headaches or stomachaches

• Low energy/fatigue

How to Combat Homesickness:

Don't bottle up your emotions

If you’re struggling with homesickness, share your feelings with others. Talk openly with your camp director, friends at camp, or our wellbeing team. Sharing your feelings can be a big relief and can help you feel better.

Talking to people at camp can be very helpful, as they understand what you are going through and the camp environment. This is a unique environment that friends and family outside may not fully understand, so speaking to people at camp can be helpful to provide practical tips to help overcome these feelings.

Stay connected, but find balance

Schedule regular calls or video chats with loved ones back home when you can. But remember also to prioritise real-time interactions at camp and find balance. Spending too much time focused on home can often make you feel the distance more.

Reframe your mindset

Reflect on why you decided to work abroad at a summer camp. Was it for adventure, cultural immersion, or personal growth? By reframing your mindset and focusing on the positive aspects of working abroad at summer camp, you can turn any hesitations into excitement and make the most of this opportunity.

Make your bunk comfortable

Bring ‘home’ to your new home by sprucing up your living space with pictures or things that spark memories of joy. Take a trip to Walmart for fairy lights and invest in a comfy throw or mattress topper for better sleep. This will transform your bunk into a cosy haven and bring you lots of comfort!

This is the vibe.

Prioritize downtime for self-care

During any downtime, make sure to prioritize self-care activities as a non-negotiable part of your day. Instead of reaching for your phone, read a book, go for a walk around camp, take a nap and focus on yourself. A digital detox will allow you to feel refreshed and energized. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you feel better overall.

Explore your surroundings

Being around others can lift your spirits and distract you from homesickness. Organize day trips and explore local attractions with your new camp friends or even start thinking about your post-camp adventures. Having something to anticipate can be a real mood booster.

Remember, almost everyone feels homesick, especially in the first few weeks of camp. But guess what? Homesickness is temporary! If you can push through it, we can guarantee that you’ll have the best summer of your life at summer camp in Canada.