***There is a meeting tonight Thursday, July 10th, at
the MRA from 6-8. Wear your swimsuit.***
From Jeff Lukens, Assistant Scoutmaster:
As we prepare to head off to Summer Camp at Camp
Mattatuck, I wanted to share an article I have with
all of you. This article has a lot of information on
how you, as parents, can do your part to help prevent
homesickness in your son while he is at camp.
More information on Homesickness will be discussed at
the July 24th Pre-Camp meeting. All Scouts who are
attending summer camp need to be at this meeting, as
they will be planning the activities for the week.
Parents need to be there to receive important
information about the week at camp.
The Pre-Camp meeting will be July 24th at 7pm at the
Middlebury Congregational Church.
See everyone at the July 24th pre-camp meeting,
Jeff Lukens
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 5
*THE HOMESICK SCOUT
by Fr. Francis Schwartz. From the Canyon Camp Leaders
Guide, courtesy of the Blackhawk Area Council, BSA;
Rockford IL.
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 a summer camp
experience because of homesickness, it is possible
that he might not ever return to Scouting.
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 advise could be
contrary to the camp policy against indiscriminate use
of phones. When a Scout is ready to leave for camp,
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
Scouts 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.
Homesickness is a common occurrence, and if faced with
understanding and care is just another step in the
process of growing up. Parents, members of the Troop,
and the Camp Staff should all be aware of its causes,
means of prevention, and above all, its cure. The cure
is simply a great deal of understanding, and
willingness to help another person deal with his
feelings while getting involved in the Scouting
Program.