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This edition of the Scoutmaster Podcast we discuss how Scouters and parents can prevent and treat homesickness. There’s also an answer to an email question about the the ratio if adults to Scouts on camping trips. We wrap things up with belated (honestly, is there any other kind?) good wishes for Scouting moms on mother’s day. All this and your messages in the mailbag. Links in this Podcast: |
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Listen to this episode (00:32:55)
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So, we have followed all the suggestions, and we have a Scout that appears that they are not going to make it too much longer.
1) All the above suggestions are not working, is there something else we can do so save this Scout’s camp experience?
2) How do we know when it’s time to call Mom or Dad and have them pick up their Scout?
Call the parents yourself and explain what’s going on. Tell them that it is their call as to ho they want you to proceed. You’ll want to tell them that you are willing to keep working with the Scout, he’s not responding at this point, but there’s always hope. Explain that if they are invested in keeping him in Scouts it’s important that he stays through the week, it can be pretty hard on parents and the Scout but you’ve seen it work before. Only then do you have the Scout speak to them (later on, not on that call) because you will have rehearsed with the parents what they will say, “we know this is hard but you are going to stay there and we’ll see you when you get home.”
Let me know how things turn out.
Thanks Clarke. Great advice as always.
With 35 Scouts I’m taking this year to Camp Geronimo (AZ), and all but 5 of them are new to Boy Scouts, I am sure I will be counseling several homesick boys. I’m planning some parental “education” this week.
I would like to say thank you Clarke for reading my article on Bullying. We have a zero tolerance for this, but still have an open eye before instances occur. Thank you again!!
Bob Case
Troop 61 Corning, NY
Here are links to a few homesickness prevention resources that I’ve posted on our troop’s website. These may be helpful in preparing parents and Scouts:
Not a Happy Camper from Scouting magazine
New Thinking Needed on Helping Kids Avoid or Cope with Homesickness from the University of Michigan health system
Not strictly about homesickness but still dealing with summer camp preparation: Dreading Water from Scouting Magazine on helping boys prepare for the swim test at summer camp.
We provide these resources to all our parents, as well as a compilation of many of the same techniques in the podcast. It has helped with reducing homesickness and while we still get one or two each year, just about everyone is better equipped to handle them.
Sometimes, physical discomfort can lead to feelings of wanting to go home. This is why we encourage certain behavior at camp, which parents can support during their time preparing with their son. Some of these are:
– Drink plenty of water – Dehyradation can lead to stomach aches, lethargy or headaches. Drink before becoming thirsty! Water must be readily and conveniently available at camps. Your son should have a water bottle with him and drink water frequently.
– Eat nutritious food – Three meals a day are served in the dining hall for troops on a meal plan. If your son has any food allergies, is a vegetarian or has other dietary restrictions, let the troop or camp staff know as early as possible.
– Wear comfortable shoes and change into clean socks each day – If shoes don’t fit or socks are dirty, walking will be uncomfortable, and there will be plenty of walking during the week.
– Take a shower – This can help lift his spirits. Just about every camp has convenient hot showers available nearby.