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What to Do When Your Child Doesn't Want to Go to Camp?

Monika Barańska
2022-04-17
Summer vacations are a time for carefree play and trips – to grandparents, with parents, camping, or to camps. Undoubtedly, the first trip to camp is the hardest – a child learns the feeling of longing and loneliness. However, vacations without parents are very necessary, as our child learns independence, strengthens bonds with other participants, and develops interpersonal skills.
What to Do When Your Child Doesn't Want to Go to Camp?

Readiness and willingness to travel can vary – one child may decisively want to go to camp and be emotionally ready, another might keep changing their mind (sometimes wanting to, sometimes not), while a third may outright refuse. We offer tips on how to encourage your child to go to camp so that their first experiences become memorable.

Why Doesn't Your Child Want to Go to Camp?

Readiness for independent travel largely depends on the child's character – those who are brave and adapt quickly may decide to go to camp or camp more readily. Those who take longer to adapt, are sensitive, and experience events more intensely might find the decision much harder. It's worth preparing your child for the trip, for example, through multiple conversations highlighting the positive aspects of independent travel, getting used to evenings and nights without parents, such as sleepovers at grandparents' or a favorite friend's house, or at preschool. A good practice is to send your child to the first camp or camp with a friend. Having a companion in the group can increase their confidence and sense of security.

However, it may turn out that despite many conversations, your child cannot overcome their fear and decide to travel without parents – in this case, you should not send your child against their will. A child who is not emotionally and socially ready, sent to camp against their will, might start experiencing health issues. Stomach aches, diarrhea, or fever are just some symptoms that may indicate adaptation disorders.

How to Support Your Child?

The decision to go has been made, but that doesn't mean the doubts have vanished. Hesitation and changing one's mind is normal. At this stage, it's important to keep talking, offering a sense of love and security, and showing the positive sides of the trip. However, you should refrain from conveying your own separation anxiety to the child. The moment of saying goodbye is also crucial – it should not happen amidst tears. Seeing tearful or sad parents will linger with the child for a long time. After the departure, maintaining contact with the child – regular, at agreed times – is important.

The first independent trip for a child is a significant experience for both them and their parents. However, if the child is ready for such a trip, the nature of the camp is attractive to them, and they are accompanied by someone familiar, it is a decidedly more comfortable situation.