Homesick? How We Support Kids Emotionally at Camp Mákemáke

It’s perfectly natural.. Even the most excited camper—backpack packed, boots laced up—can feel a sudden tug of homesickness once they arrive. A quiet moment in the garden, a missed bedtime story, or the first night in a new place can stir up big feelings. And that’s okay.

At Camp Mákemáke, we don’t see homesickness as a problem to fix—we see it as part of the journey. It means your child is stretching, growing, and stepping into new territory. And we’re here to walk beside them every step of the way.

🌿 We Meet Kids Where They Are

Whether they need a quiet moment on a log, a hand to hold, or a friendly ear, our team is trained to respond with warmth, patience, and genuine care. We take the time to listen, validate emotions, and remind each child that it’s okay to miss home—and still have a great time.

• We Create Consistent Routines

Familiar rhythms help kids feel safe. From our morning log circle to shared meals and evening campfires, our days are gently structured so campers know what to expect—and can settle into a new kind of normal.

• We Foster Connection

Homesickness fades faster when kids feel part of a community. That’s why we focus on team games, shared activities, and buddy systems early in the week. When kids feel included and supported by peers, confidence grows naturally.

• We Offer Quiet Spaces for Recharging

Not every camper is go-go-go all day. Some need stillness. Whether it’s time to draw, watch the clouds, or just sit quietly with a staff member, we make sure every child has moments to regulate, rest, and reset.

• No Phone Calls Home – and Here’s Why

We understand how hard it can be to feel distant when your child is going through big emotions—but we gently ask families to trust the process. We do not allow phone calls home during camp.

Why? Because phone calls, while comforting in the short term, often make homesickness worse. Hearing a parent’s voice can pull a child out of the camp experience and intensify their longing to leave, making it harder for them to move through those feelings in a healthy way.

Instead, our team supports children directly—on the ground, in the moment—while keeping parents informed behind the scenes if needed. If your child is genuinely struggling beyond the usual adjustment period, we’ll reach out to you with care and honesty.

Not ready yet

Some children may not yet be ready to be away from home, or they may be going through a phase in their emotional or developmental journey that requires them to stay close to their parents or family. That's perfectly okay. If your child is having difficulty coping with the separation, we will reach out to you and ask you to come pick them up and take them home. Our priority is to ensure that all campers have a positive, enjoyable experience and feel comfortable.

What You Can Do Before Camp

• Talk openly about homesickness—it’s normal and manageable.

• Reassure your child that they’ll be supported, even when you're not there.

• Avoid saying, “If you don’t like it, we’ll come get you.” That creates uncertainty and makes it harder for them to commit.

• Send a short, encouraging note or photo for them to tuck into their bag.

A Little Homesick, A Lot of Growth

Every camper is different. Some jump right in. Others take time. But again and again, we’ve seen kids go from nervous to joyful—finding courage, making friends, and gaining independence.

They leave with stories to tell, dirt under their nails, and a deep inner pride: “I did it.”

we hold space for all of it—the wobbles, the wins, and everything in between.