How can families support young cadets prepare for their first time away from home?

Overnight camps are great opportunities for young people to learn independence, self-reliance, and experimentation in a safe, youth-scaled space. Yes, there will be moments of trepidation and homesickness, but every summer thousands of young people learn coping skills and become stronger and more self-confident from a camp experience.

• Ask local leaders if photos or videos are available that "show and tell" about the activity.

• In the weeks leading up to the activity, speak about the activity with optimism and excitement, recounting the cool experiences planned at the activity.

• Speak about the activity in a way that presupposes fun and success. "You can do this!" is a better approach than, "Give this a try..."

• Find out who else is attending the activity. Mention to your cadet that they’ll have support from that peer or trusted adult.

• Ensure your cadet has an opportunity to ask questions about the activity prior to departing from home. (Local leaders should provide this opportunity.)

• Ask local leaders for information about telephone and instant messaging policies; be sure you don't over-promise how frequently your cadet will interacting with friends and family back home. Remember, overnight camps are opportunities to learn independence and make new friends.

• Parents should not hedge or talk about a “plan B” if the activity is not going well. Do not promise an opportunity for an early departure. Camp directors across America know from experience that that sets the stage for failure.

• Prior to attending an overnight camp, it's helpful for the cadet to have already experienced a sleepover with family or friends. 

• Recognize that in many situations, it is the parent who feels anxiety about the camp, not the youth. Try not to allow your own anxiety to influence your cadet.  NY Times link