It's hard for kids while they're away at camp. They miss their families, but they also want to enjoy the fun of summer camp. If your child has gone away to camp, or is planning on it, suggest these ideas to help them with any homesickness they may experience.

Make Friends

Let your child know that it is perfectly normal to miss your friends at home, but they should also strive to make new friends. They can have new adventures, make memories, and enjoy themselves with new people. A bonus of this is that the friends can remain in touch even when camp is over and your child will have great stories to share with their old friends back home.

Bring Photos

Whether your child will keep them on an electronic device or have physical copies printed and hung where they can see them when they need to. Bringing photographs of their loved ones with them will keep them close to you, and help them to feel less lonely and disconnected from the ones they are missing while away at camp.

Call Home 

Hearing a familiar voice can do wonders to make homesickness go away. Have your child call home at least once a week to catch up and fill the void of not having family and friends nearby. They can share stories with you, and you can let them know that home is always the way it was and waiting for them.

Bring Something Sentimental 

Don't just have your child pack pictures, but also pack them a favorite stuffed animal or a favorite piece of clothing that means something sentimental to them. Bringing such a piece will help your child feel connected to those they care about most even when those loved ones aren't nearby.

Going away to summer camp is one of the most exciting parts of childhood. It gives kids that first taste of freedom away from mom and dad, as well as memories that can last a lifetime. The tips above can help keep summer camp a happy experience, and chase away the homesick camper blues.