Preparing Your Child Emotionally for Summer Camp: Building Friendships and Connections

Summer camp is a big step—for both kids and parents. It means letting go and giving your child space to grow in independence; trusting that they’ll thrive away from their daily routines and familiar faces. While it can feel daunting, it’s also one of the greatest adventures your child can take.

Camp offers something unique: the chance to build deep friendships and meaningful connections in just a few days—bonds that often last a lifetime. Former campers often share how much a single week shaped them, and how their memories of camp remain among their most treasured.

To help your child step confidently into this experience, here are a few tips to ease the transition and set them up for success:

1. Build Confidence Around New People

Help your child see meeting new people as a positive opportunity rather than something to fear. If your child tends to be shy, reassure them that it’s okay—they don’t need to make a dozen friends on the first day. Encouraging them to connect with just one person, such as a kind counselor or cabin mate, can be a great starting point.

Spending time in new environments with you as their safety net can also help them become more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations. Whether it’s a new playground, a church event, or even a group activity with kids they don’t know well, these small experiences build confidence and ease the transition to camp.

2. Remind Them of Their Worth—and Their Kindness

Your child is uniquely made and deeply loved. It’s important for them to know that their presence matters and that kindness goes a long way. A simple smile or thoughtful gesture can be the beginning of a friendship or a source of comfort for another camper.

Reinforce that everyone at camp has a purpose for being there. God has a plan for their week, and showing kindness is a powerful way to live out their faith and make lasting connections.

3. Practice Simple Social Starters

Sometimes, kids just need a little help knowing how to start a conversation. Practicing basic conversation openers like:

• “What’s your name?”

• “What cabin are you in?”

• “Where are you from?”

• “Want to walk with me?”

These phrases may seem small, but they can open the door to meaningful conversations and help your child (and others) feel included and welcomed.

4. Prepare Them for Imperfections

It’s helpful to talk about the reality that not everything will go perfectly. Conflicts may arise, or your child might experience moments of homesickness. These experiences are normal and are part of the growth that comes with being away from home.

Let them know that they’re not alone in facing challenges. God is with them, and camp counselors and staff are there to support them too. Encourage them to speak up if something feels off or if they need help. Remind them that it’s brave to ask for support when they need it.

Summer camp is an incredible opportunity for your child to grow, stretch, and form lifelong friendships. With your encouragement and God’s guidance, they’ll head into this new experience feeling supported and ready. The confidence they gain and the memories they make will stay with them long after camp ends.