For many kids, camp is an exciting place full of adventure, laughter and new friendships. But along with the excitement comes the challenge of entering a completely new social environment—and that can be tough, especially in the first few days. From cliques to conflict resolution, campers are learning on the fly how to communicate, collaborate and connect.
Why Social Challenges Are Common at Camp
Camp is a new world, and everything from the schedule to the social dynamics can feel unfamiliar. One of the most common struggles is inclusion. Campers are figuring out how to join groups, navigate friendships that may have already formed and how to share space, take turns and resolve disagreements—often with kids they’ve just met. Different communication styles (or vibes, as the kids say) come into play, especially early on. It’s totally normal, and part of the learning process.
How to Prep Kids for These Social Situations
One of the best things parents can do is prep their kids for common social scenarios ahead of time. Use open-ended “what-if” questions to walk through possible situations. Try questions like:
- “What would you do if someone didn’t want to share?”
- “How would you feel if a new friend didn’t include you right away?”
- “What can you do if someone says something that bothers you?”
Reassure your child that feeling nervous or unsure is completely normal—and that many other kids feel the same way, even if they don’t show it.
Practice Social Skills at Home
Little moments at home can build big skills for camp. Playing board games, taking turns and using respectful language during conflict are great ways to model the behaviors that make group settings easier. Skills like using “I feel” statements, asking for help when needed and being a gracious winner or loser are all directly transferable to camp life. These are learned skills, and the more kids get to practice them at home, the more natural they’ll feel when camp starts.
Teach Kids to Advocate for Themselves
Kids don’t always know what to say when something feels off, which is why it helps to give them simple, clear phrases ahead of time:
- “I don’t like that.”
- “Can I play, too?”
- “May I speak with my counselor?”
These small but powerful tools can help kids speak up confidently, set boundaries or seek help when they need it. It’s not tattling—it’s helping themselves build better friendships. Sometimes doing the hard thing in the moment leads to a much better day.
Support Without Solving
When your child comes home with a story of a tough day, start with empathy. Try:
- “Wow, that sounds hard. What did you try?”
- “How did that make you feel?”
Unless there’s a safety concern, resist the urge to jump in and fix it. Instead, ask if they want ideas or would like to talk to their counselor. If needed, send a quick email to the camp director—they want to help but rely on your insights to know when extra support might be needed.
When Kids Come Home Upset
Sometimes kids just need to vent. Active listening goes a long way. But if your child is consistently upset or something feels off, reach out to camp staff. Often, these situations can be resolved very quickly with just a little guidance.
Partner with Camp for a Stronger Experience
Don’t be shy about checking in with your child’s camp team. If you notice changes at home or have any concerns, a quick email or chat at pick-up can go a long way. The more they know about your child’s needs, the more they can tailor their experience to help them thrive.
Camp is more than just fun in the sun—it’s a crash course in community building, empathy and independence. While the social bumps along the way are real, they’re also part of the growth. With a little preparation and a strong partnership between home and camp, every child can find their footing—and maybe even a new friend—on their own terms.
For more information on the summer camp program at the Bay Club, click HERE.
