Homesickness is
described psychologically as a "manifestation of separation anxiety"
or the "unconscious defense mechanism called regression." The Camp
Director and Scoutmaster describe it as the longing for home." Many a young
camper would put it more clearly as "that terrible feeling in the pit
of my stomach." Regardless of how homesickness is defined, it is,
indeed experienced in varying degrees by Scouts who come to camp.
What causes
homesickness? It is a product of a happy home life, and it occurs often in
a child who misses the warmth and security that comes from a good relationship
with family and friends.
Homesickness is
also a problem for a child whose parents are anxious about his welfare. A
parent who will miss the child while he is at camp or worries that the
camping experience will be unhappy often transmits this fear to the Scout. In
short, while at camp, the boy often feels the anxiety of his parents and
fulfills their expectations that he will miss home and not enjoy camp by
becoming homesick.
Homesickness often
produces regressive behavior in a child. In order to cope with the situation he
will revert to behavior used at an earlier age to gain attention. Sometimes a
boy will cry easily, wet the bed, or withdraw from others. When a boy who is
normally sociable and active suddenly becomes quiet, alone and disinterested in
what is happening around him, this can be a sign of homesickness.
The treatment of
homesickness is not simple. It involves the active participation of the
Scoutmaster, troop members, camp staff, and often firm, but understanding
parents.
When homesickness
is detected, the youth must be listened to and his feelings understood. Often an
understanding person, willing to listen and empathize is all that is needed. Any
unusual behavior patterns that have developed, such as bedwetting must be
taken in stride and not be overly emphasized.
Next, the boy must
be kept active and interested in some phase of camp life. An effort must be made
to make the Scout part of the Troop and a part of all the camp's activities so
that he can make friends.
If parents are
contacted, they should do all in their power to avoid promising the Scout may
come home, unless advised to do so by the Camp Director and Scoutmaster.
Once a Scout leaves camp because of homesickness, he may not return.
Homesickness can
be prevented. Parents are the best preventers. Parents must not promise
their child that, if he doesn't like it he can come home. This promise sets the
boy up for defeat. Parents must try to transmit positive messages about camp,
emphasizing that his days at camp will be a worthwhile experience, and that
they are happy he is going.
If a child wishes
to take something special with him that reminds him of home, such as a
pillow, blanket or toy, he should be encouraged to do so. This special object
will be a reminder of and link to home.
Do not tell a
Scout to telephone if he needs anything. Such advice could be contrary to the
camp policy against indiscriminate use of phones.
When a Scout is
ready to leave, avoid a dramatic departure scene. While the boy is at
camp, letters can provide a bond with home during separation. The tone of the
letter and its contents have a great effect on the production of homesickness.
The letters should be conversational about events at home and ask questions
about the Scout's experience at camp. They should never contain such lines
as "We all miss you very much; we love you so." "Your dog
hasn't eaten since you left." "We served your favorite meal last
night, too bad you could not be with us to eat it." Items that may
cause jealousy should also be avoided like "Yesterday, we bought your
brother a new bike". Campers sometimes break into tears after reading such
well intentioned letters from home.