When our daughter was six, she watched us drop her big brother off at sleepaway camp — duffel bag slung over his shoulder, excitement written all over his face. She turned to me and said, “When I’m old enough, I want to do that too.”
Three years later, here we are. She’s nine. She’s been talking about camp for years. And she’s officially signed up for her very first overnight camp.
If I’m being honest? She’s been ready longer than I have.
Last summer, she probably could have gone. But life had other plans. A newly diagnosed chronic illness landed her in the hospital for a month, and by the time she was home, summer was over, and her immune system was not camp-ready. We pressed pause. We waited. And now, after months of healing, learning, advocating, and rebuilding confidence, she’s healthy enough to go, and we are learning how to let her.
If you’re sending a child to overnight camp for the first time — especially if there are medical, emotional, or “what if?” layers involved — here are some things I’ve learned (and am still learning) along the way.
Talk About Camp Like It’s an Adventure and a Learning Experience
Not every moment of camp is magical — and that’s okay.
We’ve talked openly about what camp will be like: sharing space, missing home, trying new things, and sometimes feeling uncomfortable. I’ve told her it’s okay if she loves every second… and it’s okay if she doesn’t. Camp isn’t about perfection — it’s about growth.
Framing camp as a place to learn independence rather than a nonstop highlight reel takes some pressure off everyone.
Let Them Lead the Excitement
This is their milestone, not ours.
I’ve tried to follow her cues — letting her pick camp gear, decorate her name tag, and talk through what she’s excited (and nervous) about. When I feel my own anxiety bubbling up, I remind myself: this is her story to write.
Their confidence grows when they feel ownership over the experience.
Practice Little Bits of Independence Ahead of Time
Small wins add up.
Sleepovers at grandparents’ houses. Ordering her own food at a restaurant. Managing her bedtime routine without reminders. These things matter. They build muscle memory for being away from home — without the intensity of a full week away.
Pack Comfort, Not Just Clothes
Yes, camp limits are real — but comfort is powerful.
A favorite stuffed animal, a soft hoodie that smells like home, a handwritten note tucked into a sock. These are the quiet anchors that help kids settle in at night when the novelty wears off, and the homesickness creeps in.
If Your Child Has Health Concerns, Advocate Early and Clearly
This one is for my fellow parents who carry an extra layer of worry.
If your child has medical needs, don’t minimize them — but don’t assume camp can’t handle them either. Reach out early. Ask questions. Be specific. Share what works at home and what doesn’t. Confirm who administers meds, how health issues are monitored, and how communication works if something comes up.
You are not being “that parent”. You are being your child’s parent.
And here’s the surprising part: camps are often incredibly prepared and compassionate. Talking through these details actually made me feel more confident about sending her.
Trust the Preparation You’ve Already Done
This is the hardest one.
At some point, we have to trust that the kids we’ve raised are more capable than we give them credit for at times. That they know how to ask for help, speak up when something feels wrong, and handle small challenges, and embrace new experiences.
Camp can remind them (and us) how strong they are.
Prepare Yourself for the Quiet
No one warned me how strange the house would feel with one kid gone. Or how badly I wished to be a fly on the wall to see what was going on at camp.
Luckily, when our oldest was away, I had the youngest to keep me busy! It was actually a great experience to have some time with our "only child", if only for a week. Work, friends, family and hobbies are all great things to devote your time to during camp.
Sending your child to overnight camp is a leap, especially when you’ve spent time protecting them, advocating for them, and keeping them close. But it’s also a gift. A chance for them to see themselves as capable. Independent. Brave.
And a reminder to us parents that letting go, even just a little, can be an act of love. If you’re standing on the edge of that leap too, you’re not alone.
