Summer camps
5) Camp creates life-long memories of new adventures
in places they’ve never experienced before. Camp offers
carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside
the structure of over-scheduled days.

Homesickness and “Child Sickness”
When it comes to sending a child to sleep-away camp,
plenty of parents say, “Well, she’s ready for camp, but I’m
not ready for her to leave!” According to the American
Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as
“distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or
anticipated separation from home and attachment objects
such as parents.” For child sickness, the same can be true
except it pertains to what parents experience when their
child is away. Those who suffer from the condition feel
some form of anxiety, sadness and nervousness, and most
distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of their
child. Pleas
Imme e
diate Return Proof by Fax to 703-318-5509
or Email to Production@theFAMILYmagazine.com
“Parents today are more anxious than their peers were
20 and 30 years ago,” says Peg Smith, former CEO of the
American Camp
Association. Check
One: “That said, the partnerships
between parents and camp directors have increased.

Parents should Okay
share As their
Is concerns with camp directors
❏ who are prepared to respond with responsible, informed
Approved by:
answers.” _________________
Tips for Letting Go
• •
• •
❏ Needs Changes
Let your child
trial runs
(Mark have changes
on ad) being away from you by
permitting sleepovers.

Don’t Date
show anxiety
Sent: to your child — it will make it hard
on him. ________________
Have a plan for yourself: Get a project done that you’ve
Company: never had time for, go on a trip with your spouse, etc.

Calleva two of the greatest gifts you can give your
Remember, To: confidence and independence.

child are
Nicole Norton
Gayla Grace is a writer and mom to five who sends her kids to
Fax/Email: away camps every summer.

nicole@calleva.org Phone:
Section: Camp
AE: Witaschek
If proof is not returned
by this deadline
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run as shown.

Washington FAMILY
Magazine is not
washingtonFAMILY.com February 2016 29