Emotional Prep for Summer Camp

Guest blog for MCE by Dr. Tracy Brenner, “The Camp Counselor,” Maine Camp alumna camper and counselor, and camp parent

The kickoff to camp is just around the corner! As you check items off your camp prep list, don’t forget one of the most important to-dos: helping your child prepare for big feelings.

Whether your camper is bursting with excitement or feeling nervous about being away from home, every child benefits from some emotional preparation before the summer begins. It’s natural to want to focus only on the positives, but avoiding the harder feelings can leave kids unprepared—and worse, they may feel like something is wrong with them if they aren’t having “the best time.” Let your child know that big transitions—like going to camp—often come with discomfort. Discomfort is a sign that your child is doing something new. Not that they are doing something wrong. Therefore feeling nervous or worried is completely normal.

Step 1: Normalize Discomfort

Camp is full of fun, friendships, and adventure—but like anywhere else, they will fill all sorts of feelings throughout the duration of camp. There will be moments of sadness, frustration, and disappointment. Feeling homesick, struggling with a swim level, or feeling jealous when a friend gets a role in the play—these are all natural emotional responses. Help your child understand that these feelings are normal and expected, not signs of failure.

Step 2: Teach Them to Name Their Feelings

When your child experiences a strong emotion, the simple act of naming it—“I’m feeling sad right now”—can help reduce its intensity. As the saying goes, “You’ve got to name it to tame it.” This builds emotional awareness and helps kids feel more in control.

Step 3: Validate and Practice Compassion

Once your child can name their emotion, teach them to validate it. Model or provide phrases they can use, such as: “Being away from home feels hard—because it is hard.” Validation soothes the nervous system and reinforces the idea that their feelings are not only okay—they make sense.

Step 4: Offer a Pep Talk That Builds Resilience

Follow up validation with encouragement: “And I can do hard things.” Remind your child that emotions are temporary—no matter what, the clock will tick. If they tend to feel sad at night, help them remember: this moment will pass, and a new day—with fun, friends, and fresh experiences—is just around the corner.

Step 5: Encourage Reaching Out for Support

Camp is a community of care, filled with people who want to help. Make sure your child knows they don’t have to manage tough feelings alone. Encourage them to talk to counselors, staff, or friends if they need support—reaching out is a strength.

What If My Child Seems Only Excited?

You might wonder, “Why bring this up if my child is just excited? I don’t want to plant a seed of worry.” Here’s the thing: you’re not taking anything away from their happiness by preparing them. Just like we pack a rain jacket in case of bad weather, we prepare them for emotional storms too. Giving your child tools for coping won’t dampen their joy—it will equip them to thrive, no matter what camp brings.

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.