Preparing Your Student For Cougar Quest
Homesickness
Living
away from home is a great chance for your student to experience a new
environment and gain independence. Additionally, "parents who focus
mainly on how their child is faring may be surprised by their own feelings
about the separation, which can be quite intense." Preparation
will greatly increase you and your student's satisfaction with his/her
camp experience. The following are suggested tips:
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Brainstorm ideas with your student on what to do should he/she
get homesick. Children can get homesick at camp, especially
if it is their first time away from home. Having a plan in
place beforehand will help.
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Ideas for combating anxiety while at camp are: writing a letter home, calling home during free time, finding a friend to do an activity with, talking to a counselor (Cougar Quest counselors are great at encouraging shy children to come out of their shell), having a pre-made "Homesick" package or card that she/he can open if homesick.
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As
a parent, describe your own positive camp experiences, but
make sure you discuss how you dealt with homesickness.
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Send your student off with a bundle of stamped and addressed envelopes so it is easy to send notes or letters home, telling you about their camp experience.
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Send
letters or cards to your student! Please send all letters
or cards by Tuesday of your student's Cougar Quest week. Any
mail received after your student's Cougar Quest week will
be returned to the sender. Please do not send packages.
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Hide notes, small gifts, etc. in your student's luggage, backpack, etc.