Summer Camp Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Smooth Transitions
- kendradelahooke
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
Summer camp can be an amazing adventure for kids, full of new friendships and exciting experiences. But the transition home can sometimes bring unexpected challenges. Many parents are surprised when their excited camper returns home feeling anxious, struggling with sleep, or acting out in ways they didn’t before camp.
The good news? These reactions are completely normal. With patience and the right support, you can help your child process their experience, regulate their emotions, and return to their usual rhythm with confidence.
Why Camp Transitions Can Feel So Hard
Even when camp was a positive experience, your child’s nervous system has been through a lot. Think about it—they’ve spent days or weeks in a totally different environment, sleeping in new places, eating unfamiliar foods, and adjusting to new routines and social dynamics.
Most camps are designed to be high-energy, keeping kids constantly engaged with activities, challenges, and social interactions. This is wonderful for growth but also keeps their nervous system in a heightened state for an extended period.
When they return home, their body needs time to recalibrate. That’s why a child who usually seems easygoing might suddenly feel overwhelmed, emotional, or tired—they’re not being difficult, their nervous system is just adjusting.
Common Signs of Post-Camp Adjustment Challenges
Every child processes transitions differently, but here are some common things you might notice after camp:
Sleep disruptions: Trouble falling asleep, night wakings, or wanting to sleep near you again.
Emotional intensity: Tears, irritability, or bigger feelings than usual over small things.
Regression in skills: Needing reminders for routines they previously managed independently.
Social overwhelm: Anxiety about reconnecting with friends at home or comparing their camp experience to others.
Physical symptoms: Stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue with no medical cause.
Worry about future transitions: Concerns about going back to camp or starting school.
These signs don’t mean camp was negative—they often show your child had a growth-filled experience and now needs time to integrate it.
Building a Strong Foundation After Camp
At the Child Therapy Center of Los Angeles, we often talk about the “house” framework for regulation: the top of the house (skills like emotional regulation and problem-solving) can only stand strong if the foundation is solid.
That foundation includes:
Quality sleep: Overtired kids struggle to regulate emotions. Reset consistent bedtime routines.
Nutritious food: Focus on steady, mood-supporting meals after weeks of camp food.
Safe relationships: Re-establish connection through one-on-one time and comforting routines.
Balanced schedule: Avoid jumping straight into a packed schedule; give their body time to rest.
Outdoor time and movement: Nature and physical activity help regulate an overwhelmed nervous system.
Fun and play: Play isn’t just for fun—it’s how kids process experiences. Let them lead the play when possible.
When the foundation feels steady, your child’s nervous system can settle—and their coping skills return more quickly.
Practical Strategies for a Smooth Transition
1. Start Before Camp Ends
If possible, talk about the transition home before camp ends. Ask what they’re excited about returning to and what they might miss. This helps them begin processing both the fun and the harder parts.
2. Create a Re-entry Ritual
Welcome them home with something special—a favorite meal, a photo slideshow of camp memories, or a cozy family movie night. This signals that home is their safe place to land.
3. Validate Their Feelings
Statements like, “It makes sense that you feel sad about leaving camp” or “Your body is working hard to adjust to being home” help kids feel understood.
4. Keep Goodbyes Simple
If they’re sad about leaving camp friends, short, supportive goodbyes are often easier than long, emotional ones.
5. Maintain Some Camp Elements
If they loved a specific camp activity—like arts and crafts or hiking—try to incorporate a version of it at home to ease the shift.
6. Focus on Connection
One-on-one time helps kids feel grounded after being in a group setting. This might be as simple as sitting and coloring together or going for a walk.
Preparing for Future Camps
Not every camp is the same, and choosing the right fit can make a big difference.
Consider your child’s needs: Overnight camps can feel intense for some kids; day camps or shorter sessions might be better for beginners.
Consistency vs. variety: Some kids thrive returning to the same camp each year, while others enjoy exploring new experiences.
Neurodiversity-affirming options: Many camps are now designed specifically for different neurotypes and abilities, offering sensory-friendly spaces and staff trained to support diverse needs.
If your child needs accommodations—like quiet breaks, a specific bedtime routine, or extra help with transitions—don’t hesitate to talk with camp staff. Most camps want to help kids feel safe and included.
When Camp Transitions Feel Overwhelming
Sometimes kids need extra support to integrate their camp experience. Consider professional help if:
Sleep disruptions or separation anxiety persist for more than a few weeks.
Your child withdraws from friends or activities they used to enjoy.
Worry about future transitions interferes with daily life.
Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches don’t improve.
At the Child Therapy Center of Los Angeles, we use neuroaffirming, body-based approaches—like DIR Floortime and sensorimotor psychotherapy—to help children regulate their nervous system and process growth-filled experiences like camp. We view behaviors as communication, not problems to fix.
Supporting Your Child’s Continued Growth
Your child’s summer camp experience—whether it was their first time or their fifth—represents important personal growth. They stretched themselves socially, emotionally, and sometimes physically, and now they’re learning how to integrate that growth at home.
Your role isn’t to “fix” their adjustment but to be a safe, steady presence while they process. Trust that their nervous system will settle with time, rest, and connection.
Consider this transition a chance to strengthen your relationship. You’re showing your child that they can go out into the world, have big adventures, and always return to safety and love at home.
Moving Forward With Confidence
The weeks after camp can be a wonderful opportunity for bonding and reflection:
Reflect together: Ask open-ended questions—“What was your favorite part of camp? What was tricky?”
Celebrate growth: Point out how they handled challenges and what they learned about themselves.
Plan future adventures: Talk about what they might like to try next time, without rushing them.
Remember—every child’s adjustment looks different. Some bounce back in days, others need weeks. Both are completely normal.
Take the Next Step
If your child’s summer camp anxiety feels persistent or you’re unsure how to help, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Book a Thriving Child Strategy Call today, and we’ll create a personalized plan to help your child feel regulated, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.