Going to overnight camp for the first time is exciting! It’s also a lot. As a mom, there’s so much I wish I’d known before my then-11-year-old left last year—things that glossy view books and cheery newsletters couldn’t prepare me for. For example, as a seasoned second-year mom, I now know that it’s unnecessary to overpack a dozen T-shirts with camp logos (he’ll wear the same one each day … and grow out of it in a month).
My son is a veteran camper now, too. Although we spent hours at bedtime watching camp videos, and even though I sat him down to write a letter to his counselor himself before leaving, his wisdom only came from actually going away for a few weeks and from being exposed to kids who were already sleep-away camp pros.
Now, even though he’s heading into his second year of camp in six weeks, he’s still a bit apprehensive. He wants to know exactly how long he’ll be gone (read: away from video games). He wants to know who’ll be in his bunk, how often he’ll see his friends who are also campers and whether he’ll really have to go hiking in the rain. Humans don’t like uncertainty. (Neither do moms. It’s normal, and it doesn’t mean your kids will dislike camp.)
Are you where I was last year? About to embark on sending your baby away for a week, two, maybe even a month—and wondering how often you’ll get photos, unsure how much bug spray to pack … and maybe dreading a “please come pick me up” letter stained with tears? I get it. In that spirit, I talked to longtime campers for their hard-won advice about how to prepare, relax and ultimately enjoy the experience. Here’s what the guidebooks might not tell you.
“If you’re an adventurous eater, you will be happy, because there are so many foods to try. If you’re a picky eater like I am, you can stick to the food you know you like. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I tried lasagna for the first time this summer … and I loved it.”
—Gabby, URJ Crane Lake Camp
“It’s easier to find friends when you have the same interests. I tried to talk to people in my bunk, but I met friends in my workshops.”
—Eitan, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy
“It helps to bring pictures of your family—and you can always write letters home. Don’t be afraid to talk to your counselors about homesickness because they’re there to help you. It also helps to share with friends who can support you. But don’t worry! After a few weeks of camp, you’re going to go home and feel ‘camp-sick’ because you’ll have such an awesome time.”
—Gabby, URJ Crane Lake Camp
“My first summer at camp, I was only 10 years old and went into it without knowing anyone. My parents met at Camp Young Judaea when they were just teenagers, so camp had always been a big part of my family. While I was excited to see why my parents had loved it so much, I was also nervous to leave home for 3.5 weeks. While that homesick feeling is so normal to experience, the second I got to CYJ, I was welcomed by all my bunkmates with love and excitement. Seven years later, those camp friends and I still have sleepovers, go out to brunch and most are coming back to be counselors this summer. The relationships you gain from attending camp are immeasurably deeper than friendships at school or in a different setting because these friends know everything about you, from your favorite things, to what annoys you, and even whether or not you floss.”
—Hannah, Camp Young Judaea
“Remember how strong you are and how proud of yourself you should be. You are doing something many people have trouble doing—leaving home—at any age.”
—Averi, Camp Micah
“When you find yourself outside of your comfort zone, it helps to have a buddy who you can try new things with and encourage each other. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings with your counselors who can help support and encourage you. They’re really good at that.”
—Gabby, URJ Crane Lake Camp
“When trying things outside of your comfort zone, I recommend not thinking and thinking and thinking about it. Just go for it!”
—Eitan, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy
“If I were to give one piece of advice to first-time campers, it would be to go into the experience with an open mind. Being open to new activities and people is exactly what camp is all about and what makes it such a special place.”
—Hannah, Camp Young Judaea
“It is so important to remember to have fun. Camp is a time where you can allow yourself to be fun and goofy and silly. Many times, there are not always these opportunities outside of camp where people feel comfortable.”
—Averi, Camp Micah
“Bring two egg crates if you can. Bring a lot of sunscreen and bug spray. Put sugar on your grilled cheese—trust me. Bring a crazy hat; you will need it at some point!”
—Hannah, Camp Young Judaea
“I would tell a first-time camper that they need to fully embrace camp for all it offers by stepping out of their comfort zone to truly experience it. If they see someone who they think seems really cool, go talk to them. If there’s an activity that you really want to try but your friends don’t, you should still try it. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you can make lifelong friends.”
—Marnie, Camp Jori
“If you can, I think it’s good to see the camp first—like on a tour—and to meet people you’ll be with at camp before it starts so it’s not as unfamiliar.”
—Eitan, URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy
“Being scared is normal and should be normalized, for not only new campers but new parents. You are leaving your home and often going to a place with hundreds of new people you have never met. Nerves need to be normalized, as it is healthy!”
—Averi, Camp Micah
“Put away the technology and interact with your peers face-to-face. Ever since the pandemic, I have noticed a true disconnect between kids and their friends. The technology-free environment at camp honestly helps you re-learn how to make those connections.”
—Sage, Camp Young Judaea
“What I wish I could’ve told my 10-year-old self is to try anything and everything at camp. I was always so nervous of failing or embarrassing myself, so I never joined a sports team and traveled to other camps. Camp is about surprising yourself with new talents and coming home with a new passion and new friends. Summer camp is something you’ll never get back, so make the most of every moment.”
—Hannah, Camp Young Judaea
And, in closing, I’d be a bad mom if I didn’t include one from my own expert camper: “If you want to try a new food, don’t eat it on its own. Put it into a sandwich so you don’t notice it as much. I tried sliced red onions for the first time. I didn’t even realize that I’d tried them, because they were on my burger, even though I didn’t ask for it, but I noticed that they tasted good. Then, I put them onto other sandwiches. Now, I actually like them.”
Could lox be next? I can dream. What’s your advice? I’d love to hear it!
