Phone Calls & FaceTimes from Maine Camps

Guest blog post by Dr. Tracy Brenner, “The Camp Counselor,” a Maine Camp alumna and current camp parent

They did it! Your children are at camp and are immersing themselves in camp culture. Most camps limit the number of calls and many have policies that mandate a certain amount of time before the first call. While it’s hard not to be able to speak to your child whenever you want, these policies really help the kids settle in and adjust to camp. 

- **What to expect: ** Anything! Traditional phone calls can be unusual experiences because our kids typically don’t talk on the phone much. In my first call, I thought my child was quiet because he was so sad that he couldn’t even form words. Nope. He just accidentally hung up on us! So, if your call feels a little awkward, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, this is just an unusual experience for your child.  - **Understand the environment** : Calls and FaceTime often take place where there’s potential for distraction, so if your child seems less engaged, there just might be a lot going on. - **Prepare for emotion: ** It’s okay if your child becomes emotional – and it’s ok for you too! It’s a big moment to hear each other’s voices. Campers recover quickly after phone calls. - **Content of the call: ** Follow your child’s lead, but have some questions in your back pocket if they’re not super chatty. I like questions about their experience that are not particularly emotionally laden: What’s your favorite camp food? Tell me about the kids in your bunk. What’s something silly that has happened?  - **Don**** ’ ****t be insulted if they don**** ’ ****t want to talk: ** If your child is eager to get off the phone because they want to get to an activity or see their friend, rejoice! Your camper loves camp and is totally immersed in the experience!  - **Make the goodbye quick and hang up the phone** : Most camps have time limits for calls. About halfway through, remind your child that when the time is up, you are going to say a quick goodbye and hang up the phone. Knowing that you’re going to respect the camp time limit and have a plan for goodbye will likely make your camper less anxious and make that goodbye easier. 

Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

Looking for the perfect Maine camp for your child?  Try out our helpful_ tool where you can select a camp by choosing__: type of camp (girls, boys or coed) and session length (1-8 weeks).  It helps to narrow down a few camps to a manageable list that includes rates.  Then you can research these camps in more depth.  _

Next, be sure to contact our Maine Camp Guide, Laurie to discuss these camps as well as for free, year-round advice and assistance on choosing a great Maine summer camp for your child.