Is homesickness normal?
Yes. Psychologists describe homesickness as a natural reaction to being away from the people we love. Many young campers feel some sadness, and a smaller group feel it more strongly. It is more common in younger children and in children who have little experience of nights away. The good news is that it is usually short, and many children want to return the next summer.
Common signs
- Quiet, tearful or angry moods, often at bedtime or in the morning.
- Stomach aches or headaches with no clear cause.
- Trouble sleeping or eating.
- Asking again and again to call home.
- Staying away from activities.
Before camp: how to prepare
- Practise. Start with sleepovers, then a weekend away. Each success builds confidence.
- Talk about worries. Ask what your child thinks might be hard. Then find answers together, rather than only saying "you'll be fine".
- Plan the first days. Show the camp programme and photos. A child who knows the routine feels calmer.
- Pack something from home. A soft toy, a family photo or a small blanket. Choose items that are not valuable, in case they get lost.
- Write a letter to open if needed. Hide it in the bag with a few kind words and a joke.
- Make a playlist. Upbeat songs help during low moments.
- Look after your own feelings. Children notice when a parent is anxious, so choose a calm goodbye.
A camp abroad: three extra points
- Time difference. If you live in another time zone, agree on call times that work for both sides. A short call at a set time is better than random messages.
- Language. At a language camp your child may feel tired from listening to Spanish. Tell them it is normal and that teachers expect it.
- The flight. Ask the camp how they meet children at the airport. Read our safety guide for Spain.
During camp: what to say on the phone
A homesick call can feel awful. Stay calm. These steps help:
- Listen first. Say "I hear you. It is hard." Do not hurry to fix it.
- Remind your child of what they can do: talk to a friend, read the letter, tell a counsellor.
- Ask about one good thing that happened today.
- Do not promise to pick them up. It tells them you think they cannot cope.
- Wait a couple of hours before you act. The feeling often passes.
Keep the call short, and say when you will talk next.
| Say | Avoid |
|---|---|
| "I hear you. It is hard." | "Stop crying, you are fine." |
| "What was one good thing today?" | "I will come and get you." |
| "Talk to your counsellor. I will call on Thursday." | Guilt: "We miss you so much." |
When to take it seriously
Most homesickness is mild. Speak to the camp team and think about a different plan if your child:
- is not eating or sleeping for several days,
- refuses all activities,
- seems very anxious or unwell, or
- asks to leave and still feels the same after a few days of support.
A good camp tells you quickly if there is a problem. Ask before you book how staff handle it. At Naranja Camp there is one adult for every eight children, so staff can notice a quiet child early.
What good camps do
- Pair new campers with friendly peers.
- Keep days busy, with time to rest.
- Talk to children one by one and tell parents the truth.
Not sure if your child is ready? Read the best age for summer camp abroad. For more on the topic, see the American Psychological Association's advice. Ask us about our summer camp in Valencia.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a child to be homesick at summer camp?
Yes. Many children feel homesick, especially in the first days. It usually passes as they make friends and settle into the routine.
Should I pick my child up if they are homesick?
Usually not. Listen, encourage and give it a little time. Speak to the camp if your child is not eating, sleeping or joining in.
How can I help my child before camp?
Practise with sleepovers, talk through worries, show the camp programme and pack a small item from home.
Should kids call home during camp?
A short call at set times often works better than constant contact. Ask the camp about its call policy before you book.
How long does homesickness last?
Often a few days. If it lasts longer or your child cannot eat or sleep, talk to the camp team.
Keep reading
- Summer camp in Valencia: dates, prices, a day at camp and how to book
- Is Spain safe for kids?: safety and health at camp
- What to pack: a full checklist for kids and teens
Ready for a summer in Valencia?
Places for summer 2027 are limited. Tell us your child's age and we will help you pick the right session.
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