How To Welcome Your Teenager Home From Camp

July 29, 2010 at 3:17 pm (Summer Camp) (Epic)

Here is an article that was passed along to us that is worth reading and has some great insight on acclimating your students back into their home life after being in a camp community for a week.

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We prepare diligently prior to departure but often miss an opportunity to help our adolescent return from camp well. Here are some ideas to help your teenager maximize the positive social, physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of their experience at camp.

1. Listen attentively.
Your son or daughter will return home tired. For some the fatigue makes them excited and talkative, for others it leads to grumpiness and silence. Don’t try to drag out too much information on the ride home. The next best activity for your son or daughter may be rest.

2. Filter your questions.
Let your student guide the conversation. Pay attention to what they are saying, and also to what they are not saying. Look and listen for a few key nuggets.

3. Offer them their favorite meal.
Though camp food might be good [or it might not], your child is likely longing for something to eat that is familiar and substantial. A meal is a great place for the family to listen to their stories.

4. Temper your expectations.
Try not to communicate unrealistic expectations about responsible life change, but rather applaud any movement toward growth. This week at camp is one smaller part of a bigger and longer journey in their emotional, physical, social, and spiritual development. Your adolescent needs a fan that is cheering them on as they grow up.

5. Remember the [pre] adolescent journey.
By definition, pre-teens and adolescents are very self-focused and most of their experience at camp will be defined through the filter of “me.” Use this as an opportunity to affirm their journey of self-discovery.

6. Ask about friends.
It is almost impossible for an adolescent to separate their relationship with parents, other adults, or God, from their relationship with friends. Who did you hang out with? Did you make any new friends? When will you see them again? It is likely there will be some drama between friends to navigate.

7. Look at pictures.
Having your son or daughter show you their pictures, even if just the big camp photo, is a great way for them to share their memories and experiences. Have them point out friends and adult leaders they enjoyed.

8. Explore themes.
Ask your son or daughter to tell you what the speakers, cabin times, and solo times were about. Keep it simple and guide them into articulating one key discovery from the week. Don’t pry too much since these changes may be something they would rather share with their friends, small group, or other adult leaders.

9. Keep them connected.
An experience at camp is often a launching pad for new friendships within a youth group through Young Life, a school club, or at a local church. Maximize the partnership between you as a parent and the youth group leadership. Be sure to find a way to thank your teenager’s camp leaders. Do the extra work helping them get to the next meeting of the youth group.