Comforting homesick Shawn, our Women’s Director asked the first time camper what her favorite part of camp was. Through crocodile tears, Shawn replied, “When the big girls threw us our own party because it made me feel special.” Jenna, one of the ‘big girls’, overhearing Shawn chimed in, “I was homesick my first year at camp too…” In that moment, Jenna realized God was using her past homesickness to help a new friend. Jenna’s victory over homesickness had empowered her to walk in greater confidence to set an example and encourage younger campers.
Developing Resilience
Homesickness is one of the top things that parents and kids worry about prior to their first experience with overnight camp, but overcoming it often proves to be one of the most valuable experiences.
Inevitably, your child will experience homesickness to some degree. Homesickness is more than just a longing for home; it is fear of the unknown and uncertainty. And, while these feelings might be uncomfortable, they are part of life.
“Their self-esteem grows and they take greater strides towards independence.”
Camp exposes kids to life-shaping opportunities that stretch and grow campers outside of what they know. In a week at camp, children learn to embrace a new environment with new people and new experiences. Coping with each step of unfamiliarity within this safe environment and among trusted relationships prepares campers to overcome the discomfort the of unknown. Their self-esteem grows and they take greater strides towards independence.
Emerging Confidence
Sleeping away from home and experiencing victory over homesickness is just the beginning of what fuels a string of small triumphs growing a child’s confidence at camp.
Immersed in the high energetic camp environment, outdoors and unplugged, campers meet a fun, silly and playful side of themselves many have never before experienced. While camp activity provides exercise that stretches growing bodies, it also encourages campers to take new risks and try new things. As campers face their fears on the ropes course or learn how to throw a football, they not only develop a new skill but also grow a little bit taller on the inside.
When kids are thrown into an atmosphere like this away from their world of familiarity, a new sense of self-emerges. Within the power of play, children embrace a sureness of themselves to be free in their own skin.
Building Independence
Experiencing an action-packed week away from home, a camper’s level of responsibility is stretched as they follow a rigid routine, keeping up with their belongings and personal hygiene. In the simple tasks of brushing their teeth or remembering to hang a towel to dry, campers gain a sense of ownership. As children embrace these little daily responsibilities, they rise beyond their own expectations of themselves and learn self-care without even realizing it.
“Within the power of play, children embrace a sureness of themselves to be free in their own skin.”
When children learn responsibility for themselves they become better decision makers, weighing options and planning their own courses of action.
Camp provides a rare opportunity to set kids out on a safe path where they can choose to explore a new world in unexpected ways.
Ready for Camp?
T Bar M Camps fosters safe and authentic camp experiences where the opportunity for developmental strides are endless. Camp is one of the most lasting, rewarding experiences parents can give their children. T Bar M Camps builds self-esteem and gives kids a sense of independence all while growing their faith.
T Bar M Camps is a non-denominational Christian sports and adventure camp with locations in New Braunfels, Texas and on Lake Travis near Austin. Camps are designed for children ages Kindergarten to 11th Grade. For more information on registering your child for their Day Camps, Overnight Camps, and Family Camps, visit their website!
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