We know it’s hard to say goodbye for a week, both as a camper and as a parent. Homesickness is common among campers, especially if this is one of their first experiences away from home. But, considering the efforts it took to get your daughter to camp, we want to make sure she gets the most out of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities she has while she is here.
preparing your camper
Share Your Excitement about the program and the week. Do you have stories from your own trip to summer camp? Do other family members or friends? Check out the cool pictures we have posted on this website. Giving them a heads up about what to expect – seeing redwood trees, playing in the sand of the Pacific, doing crafts, having campfire – can help spark their enthusiasm.
Write them letters! You can mail letters directly to camp and we’ll deliver them to your daughter. We give out mail once a day starting, Sunday through Friday. Mailing things a few days in advance will help ensure that the letters arrive while your student is on site. You can also bring them pre-addressed with you to camp and give them to your daughter's staff at drop off.
Remember to stay positive, and not be overly sentimental (we appreciate that you miss your child, and maybe the dog does too – but over stressing these points can make homesickness worse!). Encourage your daughter to make lots of memories and enjoy the activities. Are they making new friends? What new things have they learned? What kinds of new experiences are they having? The address at camp is : Camper Name and unit, Camp Butano Creek, P.O. Box 459, Pescadero, CA 94060. If you are handing the mail to their staff, write on the envelope what day you want it delivered.
Don’t Promise to Bail Them Out! We stronglydiscourage promising to come and get your child if they are homesick. In fact, doing so is likely to be a set-up for failure for your daughter. Many campers will experience a 'down' moment or homesickness when tired or during moments of personal challenge. We find that in most cases, campers are able to overcome feelings of homesickness the more they make efforts to integrate themselves into activities and push through. Rest assured that in cases of extreme homesickness or illness, our staff will be in touch with you.
Encourage Them to be on Their Best Behavior. Campers need to be aware that coming to camp is a privilege, and that disrespectful or unsafe behavior will result in consequences. Coming with a positive attitude, being willing to try new things, and being ready to cooperate with others will make this the best week ever!
missing your camper
We know that kid-sickness is common as well. If you miss your camper, we invite you to write letters. We do not allow direct communication with your child during the week as it exacerbates feelings of homesickness and kid-sickness, unless there is an emergency. Sit back and be assured we’re doing everything we can to ensure that your child is having a safe and fun week at camp! Rest assured that if anything significant, medically or behaviorally comes up, our staff will contact you.
Modified from outdooreducation.sjcoe.org.
I was so scared at first but i am so proud that i stayed. I loved horseback riding and archery! ~ kelly, age 10
camper mail address
Camper Name & Unit Camp Butano Creek P.O. Box 459 Pescadero, CA 94060
Send mail early as mail takes about 2 days longer than usual.
