At Camp Tekoa, we've witnessed thousands of children take their first steps toward independence through overnight camp experiences. What we've consistently observed might surprise you: the children who gain the most are often those who initially felt hesitant or unprepared.
The Growth Zone: Just Beyond Comfort
Child development experts talk about the "growth zone" – that space just beyond comfort where meaningful development happens. Too comfortable, and children don't stretch their capabilities. Too uncomfortable, and anxiety blocks learning. Overnight camp is expertly designed to place children in this optimal growth zone.
"Readiness for overnight camp isn't about a specific age or checklist of skills," explains Dr. Michael Thompson, psychologist and author of "Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow." "Children are often more capable than parents realize, and camp provides a structured, supportive environment to discover this capability" (Thompson, 2012).
The American Camp Association's research shows that 96% of campers report feeling homesick at least once during their stay – but most work through these feelings successfully with proper support (American Camp Association, 2023). This process of managing homesickness actually builds emotional resilience that transfers to other life challenges.
Signs Your Child Might Be Ready (Even If They Don't Think So)
While every child develops at their own pace, certain indicators suggest a child might benefit from an overnight camp experience:
1. Social Independence
- Shows interest in having sleepovers with friends
- Can engage in activities away from parents for several hours
- Makes friends relatively easily in new settings
2. Basic Self-Care
- Can handle personal hygiene with minimal reminders
- Manages their belongings with reasonable responsibility
- Communicates basic needs to adults other than parents
3. Emotional Regulation
- Recovers from disappointments without prolonged distress
- Shows some capacity to self-soothe when upset
- Can follow a bedtime routine away from home
4. Interest and Curiosity
- Expresses interest in camp activities, even with some nervousness
- Asks questions about what camp will be like
- Shows excitement mixed with their anxiety
What's notable is that none of these indicators require your child to be completely confident about going to camp. Some hesitation is not only normal but can actually set the stage for meaningful growth.
The Overnight Advantage: What Research Shows
The benefits of overnight camp experiences for children's development are well-documented. A landmark study by the American Camp Association found that children who attend overnight camp show significant growth in:
- Independence: Learning to manage daily routines without parent supervision
- Resilience: Developing strategies to overcome challenges and setbacks
- Social Skills: Navigating peer relationships in a community setting
- Self-Confidence: Building belief in their abilities through mastery experiences
- Environmental Awareness: Connecting with nature in meaningful ways
According to research from Sacred Playgrounds, "Camp is more than a simple emotional high that quickly fades. The camp experience has positive and lasting impacts on the participants, and these impacts extend to their families, friends, and church communities" (Sacred Playgrounds, 2022).
These benefits are often most pronounced in children who initially felt some apprehension about attending camp – precisely because they experience the greatest sense of accomplishment when they discover their capabilities.
Starting Small: The Gradual Approach
For children who seem especially hesitant, a gradual approach to overnight camping can be effective. At Camp Tekoa, we offer several options designed specifically for this purpose:
Mini Camp: Our shortened 3-night sessions are perfect for first-time campers, offering enough time to experience the full camp routine while keeping the overall experience manageable. These are available for both elementary and middle school campers.
Day Camp and Adventure Day Camp: Some children benefit from starting with day camp, then progressing to an overnight program once they're familiar with the camp environment.
We also recommend:
Parent Communication: Clear expectations about how and when parents and campers will communicate helps ease anxiety for both parties.
Pre-Camp Visits: Attending an open house or tour before the camp session can help children visualize their experience and reduce fear of the unknown. We’ll be offering an Open House on March 15, 2026, which will give campers and their families an opportunity to tour the property, try out some activities, and ask lots of questions.
Remember that feeling "100% ready" is not a prerequisite for a successful camp experience. In fact, some productive nervousness is part of the growth process.
Preparing Your Child for Success
Once you've decided to take the leap into overnight camp, several preparation strategies can help set your child up for a positive experience:
1. Practice Independence
- Arrange sleepovers at friends' or relatives' homes
- Have your child order their own food at restaurants
- Encourage them to pack their own bag for outings
2. Build Confidence Through Information
- Review camp schedules and activities together
- Look at camp photos and videos
- Role-play common camp scenarios like meal times or activity choices
3. Develop Coping Strategies
- Teach simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing
- Pack comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or family photo
- Practice positive self-talk for challenging moments
4. Set Positive Expectations
- Focus on the fun aspects of camp
- Share your own positive experiences away from home
- Express confidence in their ability to navigate challenges
Avoid the "Pick-Up Deal"
Camp directors universally advise against telling children "If you don't like it, I'll come get you." This well-intentioned promise actually undermines children's confidence and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead, express confidence that they'll work through challenges with the help of their counselors.
The Counselor Factor: Built-In Support System
One crucial element that helps hesitant campers thrive is the relationship with their counselors. Camp staff are specifically trained to:
- Recognize signs of homesickness and provide appropriate support
- Create inclusive social environments where every child belongs
- Help children navigate peer relationships
- Celebrate small victories and progress
- Provide just enough challenge to promote growth without overwhelming
At Camp Tekoa, our "Family Group" model ensures that each child has consistent counselor support throughout their stay. This relationship becomes the scaffold that supports children as they build independence.
When the Child Returns Home: The Transformation
Parents frequently tell us they're amazed by the growth they observe when their child returns from camp. Common reports include:
- Increased willingness to try new things
- Greater confidence in social situations
- More helpfulness with household responsibilities
- Improved problem-solving skills
- New appreciation for family connections
These changes often appear most dramatic in children who were initially most hesitant about the camp experience – precisely because they've had the opportunity to discover capabilities they didn't know they had.
"The most powerful gift you can give your children is the confidence that they can handle being away from you," writes clinical psychologist Wendy Mogel. "It's a gift that will serve them for life" (Mogel, 2018).
Frequently Asked Questions About Overnight Camp Readiness
What is the "right age" for a first overnight camp experience?
While many children begin overnight camp between ages 7-10, readiness depends more on individual development than chronological age. Some children benefit from overnight experiences as young as 6, while others may not be ready until 11 or 12. Camp Tekoa's Elementary Mini Camp is designed for children 7-9 years old as an introduction to the overnight experience.
How do you handle homesickness at Camp Tekoa?
Our staff are trained to recognize and address homesickness through preventative measures like keeping campers engaged in activities, helping them connect with peers, and providing emotional support. We view homesickness as a normal part of growth rather than a problem to be solved, and help children develop coping strategies they can use throughout life. Check out our Homesickness page for more information.
My child has special considerations (medical needs, anxiety, etc.). Can they still attend overnight camp?
Many children with various needs thrive at camp with proper preparation. Tekoa has nurses on site at all times. We recommend discussing your child's specific situation with our staff before registration so we can determine what accommodations might be needed. Often, the structured environment of camp actually helps children with anxiety or attention challenges.
What if my child truly isn't ready?
Trust your knowledge of your child, but be careful not to confuse your anxiety with theirs. If your child shows extreme distress at the idea of camp or lacks basic self-care skills, it might be worth waiting another year or starting with day camp options. However, some parental anxiety is normal and shouldn't necessarily delay a beneficial experience for your child.
How can I manage my own anxiety about sending my child to camp?
Parental anxiety is common and normal! Remember that your child will take cues from you, so modeling confidence is important. Establish communication expectations with the camp, connect with other camp parents, and focus on the growth opportunity you're providing. Many parents find their own resilience grows through this experience too.
Taking the Leap: Your Child Is More Ready Than You Think
The decision to send your child to overnight camp often feels like a leap of faith – for both of you. What we've learned from thousands of first-time campers is that children rise to meet the opportunities before them, often exceeding both their parents' expectations and their own.
Camp provides a uniquely supportive environment for children to practice independence, build confidence, and discover their capabilities. The structured support, peer community, and trained mentorship create ideal conditions for growth.
So if your child is showing interest in camp but expressing some hesitation, or if you're considering camp but wondering if they're truly "ready" – remember that readiness isn't about the absence of nervousness. It's about having the support to work through challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
Camp Tekoa offers programs designed specifically to ease the transition to overnight camping. We invite you to contact us to discuss which option might be right for your child, and to begin their journey toward greater independence, confidence, and joy.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our programs online or call our office at (828) 692-6516 to discuss which camp experience might be right for your child.