Homesickness is one of the most common emotions at summer camp, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Whether it’s your first time away from home or you’re a seasoned camper, being in a new environment with unfamiliar people can trigger feelings of missing home, parents, pets, or the comfort of a daily routine. The good news? Homesickness is usually temporary, and with the right approach, it can even be a chance to grow stronger and more independent.

Take the example of Mia, a first-time camper who had been looking forward to camp for months. She had her backpack packed a week early, had read every page of the camp website, and couldn’t stop talking about swimming, campfires, and color war. But on the second night, when the excitement began to settle and the routine started to feel real, Mia found herself crying quietly in her bunk after lights out. She missed her mom’s hugs, the sound of her dog barking in the morning, and even her little brother’s annoying jokes. Her counselor noticed, sat down beside her, and gently asked how she was feeling. Mia admitted she was feeling homesick. The counselor didn’t dismiss it..... instead, she shared her own story of being a camper who cried the first few nights away from home too. That simple act of listening and relating made Mia feel less alone.

The next day, Mia still felt a little sad, but she joined in on the camp scavenger hunt anyway. Then she helped her bunkmates decorate a team banner, and by dinner she was laughing at the table. The homesick feeling didn’t disappear overnight, but with each passing day, it faded a bit more. By the end of the week, Mia was one of the loudest singers at campfire night and didn’t even want to leave when her parents arrived for pickup.

Homesickness isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign that you have meaningful connections at home. But it’s also a chance to form new ones. Being at camp is a special kind of challenge: you’re learning how to be part of a community, how to handle unfamiliar situations, and how to trust yourself away from home. If you’re feeling homesick, talk to someone about it. A friend, counselor, or older camper can help just by listening. Try to stay involved in activities, even if you don’t feel up to it at first. Being part of something even a silly game or craft, can shift your focus and help you feel more connected.

If you’re the friend or counselor noticing someone else who’s struggling, the most important thing you can do is be kind and patient. Sometimes just sitting next to someone, inviting them to a group activity, or telling them “I’ve been there too” can make a huge difference. Homesickness might feel like a big storm, but like most storms, it passes. And when it does, campers often look back and realize they came out of it more confident, more resilient, and proud of themselves for pushing through.