It’s almost here — the big day we’ve all been anticipating! There’s so much build-up to the first day of camp, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel about that morning when campers board the bus for Honesdale. It’s completely normal to find yourself experiencing a range of emotions about the beginning of the summer, especially if it’s your first time.
While each person’s camp experience is different, over the years, we’ve observed that campers, parents, and even counselors often seem to share some common feelings and questions about the first day of the summer. This year, we thought we’d take you inside the heads of a typical first-time camp parent, first-year camper, and first-year counselor to get a glimpse of what your fellow rookies will be thinking. Feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments!
Parent:
I can’t believe the day has finally come to send my daughter to camp for the first time! When we first started talking about sleepaway camp, it seemed so far in the future — it didn’t seem real. But now her trunks are shipped, her bus bag is packed, and I’m facing the prospect of saying goodbye to her for seven weeks. I’m excited for her and all the experiences she’ll have this summer, but I’m nervous, too. Did we pick the right camp? What will her bunkmates be like? Will she make friends? Will she like the food? Will her counselors be kind, understanding and enthusiastic? Will she miss me too much? What if she doesn’t miss me at all?
I want my daughter to succeed at camp, and I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to not be able to be there with her and help her find her way. I know camp will help her be more independent, but will I be able to let go and trust the directors and staff to keep her safe and comfortable so she can feel free to find her own way? And should I feel guilty that I’m looking forward to having some time to reconnect with my spouse… and maybe also feeling a little jealous that I don’t get to go to camp?
I’m glad I can contact Jane or Dan anytime to get an update on my daughter. And I feel reassured knowing how much time they put into hiring, training and supporting good counselors and group leaders. As difficult as it is to say goodbye to my little girl, I know there’s always someone available who can reassure me that she’s doing well — and I know her success at camp is as important to them as it is to me.
Camper:
I’ve been waiting to go to camp for a year. Or maybe even longer — maybe I’ve been champing at the big ever since I watched my older siblings get on the camp bus way back when I was still in diapers! I’ve been so confident about my first summer away. But now that the day is finally here, I’m suddenly nervous. Who will I sit with on the bus? What if my counselors don’t like me? What if I don’t know anyone in my bunk? What if the activities are too hard, or I don’t like some of them? What will the first day be like? I don’t even know where to go when I get off the bus. What if I get homesick or hate the food?
I used to be sure I would love camp, but the first day is overwhelming, even for someone who knows she’s ready for camp — especially when there are so many returning campers around, cheering and hugging one another. I’m counting on the bus counselors to get me settled, help me find a seatmate, and make me feel at ease during the ride. And once I get to camp, I will rely on my counselors and group leader to help me get used to camp. It’s important for me to feel like I can ask questions, learn where things are, and start to feel at home so I can start camp off on the right foot.
Counselor:
Here’s a confession: I think I’m more nervous than the youngest first-year camper. This is my first summer at Bryn Mawr, and I’ve traveled from far away to be here. Even though I’m experienced and I love working with kids, I’m a little scared myself. What if my campers don’t like me? What if they play pranks on me or won’t listen? I feel like I’ve spent so much time getting to know them before they even arrive, but will I be able to match all the names and faces? I feel as anxious as I did on the first day of Staff Week, when I got off the plane and had to find the staff bus at Newark Airport. I didn’t know anyone, and even though I was really excited about coming to camp, suddenly it all seemed so overwhelming. It only took a few days, though, before I knew lots of names and had even started to make friends. Now I know some camp songs and cheers, I understand how the dining hall works, I’ve learned the rules — and I feel like I’ve known my co-counselors for years!
I’m glad Jane reminded us that the first day of Staff Week is a lot like the first day of camp. New campers are going to be experiencing all the same emotions I felt on my first day at camp, and I’ll be able to understand and help put them at ease. And I know I’m not alone. I have a lot of support from my co-counselors, my group leaders, my division head, and the rest of the leadership staff, and I know we all want the same thing: for every camper to have a happy, fulfilling summer.
Returning parents, what advice do you have for first-timers? Share your advice in the comments!