How do a child's emotions act after a summer season at camp?

FEELING, CHANGES AND TRANSFORMATION

Returning from summer camp is a significant time of transition for children, filled with varied and complex emotions. By recognizing and supporting these emotions, parents and guardians can help them integrate their camp experiences into their daily lives in a positive and constructive way. These experiences not only contribute to a child's personal development, but they also strengthen their ability to face future challenges with confidence and resilience.

Main emotions and their effects

“REMEMBER THAT NO EMOTION IS BAD OR GOOD, WE JUST HAVE TO LEARN TO MANAGE IT TO ACHIEVE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN DIFFERENT EMOTIONS, FEELINGS AND PERSONALITIES.”

Nostalgia and melancholy

Many children may feel a deep nostalgia when they return from camp, missing their new friends, the activities and freedom they experienced. This nostalgia can manifest as sadness or melancholy, with little interest in their usual routines. To help, it's helpful to keep them busy with interesting activities and to allow them to share their camp experiences.

Feeling of accomplishment and pride

After overcoming challenges and learning new skills, children often feel proud of their accomplishments. This positive feeling can translate into greater self-confidence and a proactive attitude at home and at school. Parents can foster these feelings by encouraging children to continue developing the skills they learned at camp.

Trust and independence

Children who have spent time away from home in a safe, structured environment develop a sense of independence and self-confidence. They may show greater autonomy in their daily activities and be more willing to take on new responsibilities, such as helping at home or taking the initiative in their schoolwork.

Separation Anxiety

Upon returning, some children may feel anxious about being under the constant supervision of their parents again. This anxiety can manifest as irritability or a desire to return to camp. Parents can help by reassuring their children and keeping open communication about their feelings.

Emotion and enthusiasm

The desire to share their experiences can be very strong in some children, resulting in increased energy and sociability. It's an opportunity for children to get involved in extracurricular activities or social groups that allow them to maintain that emotion and connection with others.

Empathy and sensitivity

Living with other children and participating in team activities promote greater empathy and sensitivity to others. Children may show more thoughtful and supportive behavior with their peers and family members. Parents can support this through positive reinforcement and by providing opportunities for children to continue developing these skills in their everyday environment.

Managing post-camp emotions

To help children manage these emotions effectively, parents and guardians may consider the following tips:

✅ Open communication: Encourage children to talk about their experiences and feelings, both positive and negative. This will help them process their emotions and feel heard.

✅ Maintain connections: Facilitating contact with camp friends through letters, emails or phone calls can help reduce nostalgia and keep friendships alive.

✅ Establish new routines: Gradually reintroducing children to their daily routines and family activities can help ease the transition and provide a sense of stability.

✅ Encourage new activities: Enrolling children in extracurricular activities or social groups related to their interests can help channel their energy and enthusiasm in a positive way.

✅ Emotional support: Attending to signs of anxiety or sadness and offering emotional support when needed is crucial to a child's well-being.

Fuentes

• Psychology Today: The Value of Camp in Developing Independence and Belonging.
• Journal of Youth Development: Summer Camp Experiences and Their Impact on Self-Efficacy.
• Child Mind Institute: How Summer Camps Boost Children's Confidence and Skills.
• American Psychological Association: Understanding Separation Anxiety in Children.
• Stanford University: Empathy and Social Skills Development through Camp Programs.

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