Camp Woodland Blog

Dear JoAnne, 

Ever since my daughter returned home from camp, she refuses to wear anything that isn’t Woodland blue or tie-dyed and Crocs with an assortment of Jibbitz. All she talks about is the fun she had, stories about her cabin mates, and how many days there are until camp next summer. She claims that she isn’t sure what to do next without the bell ringing throughout the day to mark time. She won’t stop singing camp songs or looking at the online photos on the Woodland website and Instagram. She even makes her bed every morning and asks if she can “hop” during dinner. She insists that I ask you for Brittnie’s Asian bowl recipe and is now putting ketchup on potato chips. Help! Can you please explain to me what is going on with my daughter?

 A Concerned Parent

Dear Woodland Parent,

Thanks for your letter; I can assure you that what your daughter is experiencing right now sounds like a typical case of  “campsickness.” Yes, it’s a thing (see below). It means camp worked its magic and is proof of an unforgettable summer.

I receive calls and emails from parents every year at this time wondering what is happening to their camper(s). Trust me, campsickness is not necessarily a bad thing; it just means that your daughter had an AMAZING summer and is sad to leave her camp friends. It is normal to miss the nonstop activity and fun that camp offers at every turn. Coming home to an empty room can be a bit of a shock after the excitement of constant interaction with a community of girls.

I have every confidence that she will adjust to being at home again; it just takes a little time. You can let her know that we will be corresponding with her (and you!) over the course of the winter via mail, email, and various social media. There are all kinds of ways she can stay connected to our camp family, and before you know it, we will be headed to Woodland (Imagine This in ’26) for another fantastic summer!

Definition: Campsick (adjective)
\’kamp-,sik\ – The opposite of homesick. (Don’t worry, it’s not a real illness.)

Meaning: An intense longing to be back at camp.

Example: Your camper doesn’t want to go to her favorite restaurant or even the pool…she is too campsick to enjoy “normal” life at home.

Symptoms may include:
Melancholy + daydreaming
Nonstop storytelling + “one time at camp…”
Using camp lingo the rest of the family doesn’t understand
Attempts to recreate camp routines, chants, and inside jokes at home

Here are a few things you can do to replicate her Woodland experience during the transition from camp to home:

Limit Screen Time – Yes, she will want her iPhone or iPad back – and that’s okay. But remember, she went 4-6 weeks without screens, and survived (maybe even thrived!). Try to keep some of that screen-free magic alive.

(Gently) Remind Her to Make Her Bed – She did it every day at camp – no complaints. She’s actually good at it! (And hey, maybe she’ll even make yours … just kidding. Probably not happening.)

Let Her Sing At The Table – There is nothing that beats the energy of the lodge after dinner – the cheers, the songs, the banging on tables. It’s pure fun. Don’t be surprised if she brings a little of that spirit to your dining room table (and maybe teach you a few songs in the process!).

Print Out Photos From Camp So That Her “Bunk” Looks Familiar – You sent her to camp with pictures of home. Now flip the script – print out camp photos for her room so it feels like her bunk. All those photos you’ve been scrolling all summer? Time to bring them to life!

Keep the Camp Mail Coming – Best cure for campsickness? Mail from a camp friend. Encourage your camper to keep up the tradition of letter writing with their bunk besties (a friendship list of addresses was included in her memory folder).

Tie Dye Extravaganza – Nothing says camp like tie dye!  Let her rock what she made at camp. Or better yet, set up a craft session at home and have her make something for you!

A Little Canteen Goes A Long Way – S’mores, some candy, or a sweet frozen treat every once in awhile is a little nod to camp that will be appreciated those first few weeks of being home.

Give Her S P A C E – It’s not you … it’s her. She just had a taste of independence and now she’s back under your roof. Adjustment takes time (for both of you!). Let the stories, emotions, and memories come out at their own pace.

Sign Up for Next Summer – Don’t miss Woodland’s early enrollment discount when signing up for 6 weeks by August 31st!