The Homesick Counselor

When we think of summer camp and homesickness, we think of that first week of camp when all the campers are getting adjusted and missing the comforts of home. However, homesickness is not just something to address with campers, but it is often a heartbreak for staff too. 

Understanding what your staff are feeling

For many of these young adults, this is their first time away from home for an extended period of time. Some staff may be coming from college and have a bit of experience being on their own, but for others this may be the first time they have lived somewhere new. That big change on top of possibly being in a new country, in a remote location, surrounded by strangers, will understandably lead to uneasiness. 

Aside from physically being away from home, summer camp may also be the first time many of these staff members have ever had to care for someone or something other than themselves. Being a full-time caretaker for a group of 10-15 kids is a big change in responsibility. Suddenly, rather than waking up when you feel like it and scrolling your favorite social media app, you are up early, wrangling a squad of kids or teens, reminding them to brush their teeth and put on sunscreen.

Change is tough. It is very normal for these young adults to ache for the normalcy and comforts of their home routine. For some staff, the feeling of homesickness may be a reason for them to consider leaving camp. It is crucial to prepare them for these feelings so that they don’t feel isolated or embarrassed when they inevitably appear. 

How to help

Providing staff with resources that can help them work through tough emotions can keep them successful all summer long. 

Give staff a break

Have your leadership staff provide their team with a code word. When a staff member is feeling overwhelmed or homesick, they can use this word and their leadership staff can step in to help out and provide a break for staff. If leadership staff notices a certain person using the code word often, they can find time with them 1 on 1 to brainstorm how to make camp feel more like home for them. 

Leaning on Peers

Find time for staff to connect with one another about their experiences. Chances are many staff members are experiencing similar feelings and can lean on their peers. Ask staff to share their highs and lows or to share the funniest story from their day. Allow staff an opportunity to engage and reflect with each other. 

Cultural Exchange

Allow staff the space to share their home. Rather than trying to convince them why they should love camp, lean into their culture and allow them to share it. Are their foods or snacks that make them think of home? Bring those into a staff meeting for others to try. Allow staff to print and share photos of home and their friends/family with staff and campers. Feeling welcomed and accepted for who they are and where they come from will show them what camp is really about.

Getting into the swing of camp is an adjustment for staff and campers alike. It is important to prepare staff so that they know how to address these feelings both for themselves and their campers.