Summers away at camp conjure up memories of fun, carefree days with friends, but think back a little longer and you’ll realize that your camp experience may not have begun that way. For a lot of kids, the first time away at camp is their first extended time away from home, and that can be scary.

Separation anxiety is not uncommon, and it’s important kids know that. According to the American Camp Association, research has shown that 90 percent of children attending summer camp feel some levels of homesickness, and 20 percent of those kids face a serious level of distress that, if untreated, can interfere with their ability to benefit from a camp experience.

Experts stress that prevention is key to a camper overcoming anxiety. New York State licensed psychologist Dr. Joshua Schifrin of Rockland County tells parents to remind their children repeatedly that it’s natural to be nervous before camp.

If reluctance to attend camp manifests in persistent avoidance of being left alone, nightmares or physical complaints (stomach problems, headaches, nausea), there are steps parents can take to make their camper feel more prepared for time away from home.

Debbie Bunnell of Port Chester sent her daughters letters before they even got to sleep-away camp, so they would be reminded of her support right away. In her letters, Bunnell made sure not to write “I miss you” too much or go into detail about life at home. “I asked questions about what was going on at camp instead, so they didn’t dwell on what they were missing at home,” she said.

Both Shifrin and Bunnell recommend short goodbyes. “Dragging out the goodbye can make both the parent and child more nervous and extend feelings of anxiety,” Shifrin said.

Prior exposure to the camp experience can also be a successful way to vanquish fears. Mohawk Day Camp in White Plains offers several pre-camp programs and events to familiarize campers and their families with the grounds and staff.

“It’s really important the child is adjusted and happy,” said Barbara Schainman, the camp’s director, “but also that who’s putting them on the bus is happy.”

Mohawk’s strategy is to tackle separation anxiety, for both child and parent, by offering parents the chance to establish a relationship with the counselors who will be with their children every day, and kids the opportunity to get excited for the fun activities in store. 

However, Dr. Shifrin warns that if there are still tears, parents should keep in mind that usually minutes after leaving, the tears dry and the child is happy. “It is important that the child see the parent exude confidence that camp will be enjoyable,” he said. If, despite preventative measures, a child’s anxiety persists, parents should seek professional help.

Fears aside, the camp experience comes with significant benefits. Dr. Shifrin explains that camp has been proven to foster independence, improve social interaction and often times children return home with a greater sense of responsibility. “Most importantly, camp can lead to a lifetime of great friendships and memories,” Dr. Shifrin said.

Camp Mohawk is confident that their emphasis on a child and their family’s adjustment and comfort is effective. “If you look around on the first day of camp, it looks like the kids have been there for a month,” Schainman said.

For Bunnell, camp resulted in lasting happy memories for her daughters. “You just have to know your own child and at what age they’re ready to be away from home,” she said.