You Signed Up for Camp! Now What?

May 14, 2026

A Camp Manito-wish YMCA guide for parents and campers to prepare for their camp experience by Karen Christopherson, Director of Operations.

You have made the decision for your camper to join us for their very own Manito-wish experience this summer, way to go! At Camp Manito-wish YMCA, we want campers to experience the feeling of belonging, discover (and rediscover) that they are capable of doing hard things as they build resilience, and have countless opportunities to authentically connect with others within the community. Reaching these goals begins now as you are preparing for camp.

On opening day, you will pass the baton to us here at Camp to support your camper throughout their time at Manito-wish. On pick-up day, we will pass back the baton to continue encouraging the great things your camper has learned and the growth they have had. And in all the moments throughout, we will connect as things come up – we are partners in this!

Homesickness Is Normal

Many campers will experience homesickness at some point. Camp staff expect this and treat it as a normal feeling that comes with being away from home. Campers are supported by counselors in moving through these feelings rather than fixating on or avoiding them.

At camp, campers will likely experience missing home at times. They will learn ways to cope with those feelings and be supported without pressure to move forward to get through those moments.

At home you can begin preparing by normalizing missing home before camp begins. Avoid framing camp success as never feeling sad. Sharing confidence in your camper’s ability to work through being homesick and towards having a great time at camp.

Questions to explore with your camper:

  • What do you think it might feel like missing home?
  • When you miss someone, what helps you, even a little?
  • What would you want your counselor to say if you told them that you missed home?

Practice Unplugging

Camp time is free of screen time. Campers spend time outdoors, connecting with others, and noticing their surroundings. Unplugging may feel uncomfortable at first and that is expected.

Campers will have the opportunity to spend time without personal devices, discover new ways to relax and connect, and build tolerance for being quiet and still.

At home you can begin preparing by gradually reducing screen time before camp, talking openly about what unplugging might feel like, and emphasizing that discomfort does not mean something is wrong.

Questions to explore with your camper:

  • What do you notice about yourself when screens are not around?
  • What might feel hard about unplugging?
  • What could help if the quiet feels uncomfortable?

Share the Responsibility of Camp

Camp is a place where responsibility is shared amongst our community. Campers are encouraged to try problem solving, self-care, and decision making, while adults are there for support. Camp is not about doing everything alone. It is about learning when to try and when to ask for help.

At camp, campers will have the opportunity to both independently and collaboratively solve problems in the cabin and on trail. They will take care of their bunk space as well as shared spaces in their cabin and around camp. And – with some prompting and reminders – take an active role in personal care while at camp and on trail.

At home you can begin preparing by practicing in situations where problem solving is needed by taking the first attempt independently, then asking for help when needed. Practicing keeping personal space tidy by taking five minutes each day to notice what needs to be done and tidy the space up. Practice with a checklist for personal care things that need to happen daily, such as brushing teeth, changing undergarments, and having a bedtime routine without screens.

Questions to explore with your camper:

  • How do you know when you might need an adult’s help?
  • What feels easy to ask for help with, and what feels harder?
  • Who do you think you could go to if something feels tricky at camp?

Using Your Voice

At camp, we encourage all campers to use their voice. They are encouraged to speak up when they have an idea, a new perspective, or when they see or experience something that causes concern. Counselors and Sectionals are great adults to share concerns with, and all staff are trained to support campers when they share concerns.

At camp, campers will have the opportunity to practice advocating for themselves, learn that their voice matters, and be supported when speaking up feels uncomfortable.

At home, you can begin preparing by practicing naming needs and feelings together, reassuring your camper that adults want to hear from them, and encouraging your camper to speak up if something does not feel right or they are not getting what they believe they need.

Questions to explore with your camper:

  • When do you find it easiest to speak up?
  • What words feel comfortable to use when you need something?
  • What would make it easier to share your thoughts with an adult?

Doing Hard Things Is Possible

Camp provides opportunities that may feel challenging such as trying new activities, being with new people, going on trail or following the new Camp routine. Here at Manito-wish we value effort over perfection and see discomfort as part of learning.

At camp, campers will have the opportunity to try new things even when they feel unsure about it, learn that hard feelings and capability can exist together, and be supported through challenges.

At home you can begin preparing by reflecting together on past moments when your camper did hard things, naming the feeling of frustration as a sign that they are learning, and modeling doing hard things and sharing it out loud.

Questions to explore with your camper:

  • What do you think might be hard at camp?
  • What has helped you through hard things before?
  • How do you know when you are showing courage and being brave?