Preparing for Camp Departure Day

That day in June or July that comes with anticipation, nerves, and excitement is known to families as “departure day.” But at camp, after weeks of preparing—training staff, setting up bunks, and waiting for the energy of campers—that very same day is called “arrival day.”

I’ve always found something meaningful in those two perspectives on the same moment. One marks leaving something behind. The other marks something beginning.

And therein lies the truth: both are happening at once.

Departure day, and the days leading up to it, are often filled with pendulum swings between feelings: excitement and fear, sadness and happiness, worry and bravery. As you begin to prepare your child for the send-off to camp, talk to them about the range of feelings they may be having. They’re all normal.

You may be having mixed feelings too. Practice validating both your child’s emotions and your own, and respond with compassion. Leaving home feels hard because it is hard. And your child (and you!) can do hard things. Remind yourself that even if the separation feels challenging, that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Doing something new often feels uncomfortable, and leaving home for any duration will feel new and scary for many campers—first-timers and returners alike.

Anticipating, validating, and having compassion for feelings is a great first step in preparing for departure day. Another important piece is helping your child form a clear mental picture of what the day will look like. Uncertainty makes many people anxious. The more information you can provide, the more comfortable your child will feel.

Prepare your child by describing the setting. Whether you’re gathering in a shopping center parking lot to board a bus, meeting at an airport terminal, or driving to camp for drop-off, try to paint a clear picture of the environment. Describe what the scene will look like for campers and families. They may see some kids bolting away from their families to greet camp friends, and others staying close to their parents with more hesitation. Remind them that camp staff will be there to guide them, answer questions, and offer support.

If you anticipate that your child may need a little extra support with separation, give your camp directors a heads up in advance or check in with a staff member at the departure point. Camps are well prepared for this moment and ready to help ease the transition. Information about departure day allows your child to visualize their experience and mentally prepare. Equally important is having a clear plan for the moment of separation itself. The clearer and more predictable the goodbye is, the safer your child will feel—even if they’re emotional.

Explain to your child exactly what will happen when it’s time to say goodbye. When campers are called to the bus, plane, or drop-off point, you’ll have a quick, consistent goodbye ritual: a hug, a special phrase, or a secret handshake. Then, your child will put one foot in front of the other and go. No lingering, no “just one more hug.” Stick to the plan. It works.

As you balance validation of fears and worries with information and planning, also introduce an “arrival” mindset. Your child isn’t just leaving home—they are arriving somewhere new.

They are arriving at what will soon become their summer home. They are arriving to a place buzzing with energy: staff cheering, counselors ready to welcome them in, a community that has been eagerly waiting for them. Even if the first moments feel a little uncomfortable, they are stepping into something meaningful.

Departure day will always bring a mix of emotions, for you and for your child. That’s not a problem to solve. It’s part of the experience.

And while it may feel like you are sending your child away, they are also arriving somewhere new: arriving at independence, new friendships, and the opportunity to do hard things and discover, I can handle this. Not because it feels easy—but because they learn they can do hard things.

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.