Uneasy, feeling homesick for camp

[Jamzies]

So, homesickness. Why does it have to be the absolute worst thing that I have experienced?

Every time a camp comes up, I feel a sense of unease, even more so when the date is looming in my head with days or a week left at home. I know these camps don't last long (5 days) but I just can't stop thinking about it sometimes.

Over the last few years of my schooling, I recall waking up a few times every night at the camp venue. There's just something that feels off, something that isn't familiar - no warmth of home, no parents, just the sleeping bag and clothes I've packed (maybe even Mum's 20-year-old sleeping bag that's still functional). Of course, this hasn't reached the point where I've developed severe symptoms like depression.

Being honest, I feel that it has been getting harder to fixate on the fun of camping, rather than the time frame where I'm away from home. Last time on camp (a few months ago), the same problems popped up a week or two before the camp. I would reach the point where I was thinking, "Oh, the first day is just setting up, the second day is this, then that," etc. Only this time, exams are also underway, and once again I'm trying to calm myself down by reminding that the camp will be a good relaxation for exams, but nothing seems to disappear. Only when the camp is done, my pain is eased.

It's not the luxury of home that makes me crave for it, but rather the warm hospitality of parents and my younger sister. I see those other students around me feeling just fine, leading me to think that I'm the only one with such a problem.

Any tips?

[Doolhof]

Hi Jamzie,

Welcome to the community. It may seem to you that you are the only one feeling out of place, I am sure there are others. Maybe like you, they are trying to cover up how they are feeling. Maybe if you look around while on camp, you might notice other people who are withdrawing or alone most of the time.

Are there activities and parts of the camp that you do enjoy?

Recognising what you don't like, might help you to think more about what you can change at camp to make it more acceptable and more fun for yourself.

Could you offer to help out the leaders and with activities? The more my mind is occupied the better I feel about my day. Feeling like I have achieved something is beneficial to me.

Maybe have a look around and see if others might be struggling and make friends with them.

Hope you are able to find ways to appreciate the camp and not feel so homesick. It is wonderful you feel this way to a point as it means home is a nice place for you!

Cheers from Dools

[Jamzies]

Thank you for the reply, Doolhof.

Yes, there are indeed some things that I've come to like at camp. Usually, they involve some uncommon activities such as caving, or bike riding (didn't like caving at first but felt alright after).

The type of camp this year has been mostly bush camping. I think the most worrying thing is about the timeframe that I'm gone from home, but not so much on how much I like the activity. I'm fine with navigating through the bush and walking, even in the night as we have a more experienced student accompanying us.

Another apparent issue is probably how slow time passes at these unfamiliar locations. It's not as fast as when I'm home or playing sports outside due to the enjoyment I feel there. I would like time to pass, but again, the nostalgia of home kicks in way too soon.

Thank you for your post - I enjoy the warm welcome and tips said there.

Regards,

Jamzies

[Croix]

Dear Jamzies~

Many people get homesick, it is as simple as that. After all if it is a loving place with enjoyment, security, a base to face life from then why would you not miss it when it is not there? You are not alone in your feelings.

In fact, as Mrs Dools says there are probably others at camp in precisely the same boat.

I like her remedies, which basically suggest you finding ways to make life better. And for me that means being occupied doing something useful or interesting. One useful thing is to see those who like you are uncomfortable, or even unhappy, and try to cheer them up, it might help both of you.

Camp is a taste of independence, for a limited period in a reasonably safe environment. Independence is somethng you may well see more of in later life, and developing techniques now that lead you to not only deal with it, but even enjoy it, will be very useful later on.

That might not make it seem better now, but at least you will have htat at the back of your mind.

Croix

[Doolhof]

Hi Jamzies,

I'm wondering if you are finding interacting with different people awkward? Are you on camp with people whom you know or is it a combination of people from different places?

Sometimes it is easy to pass time by asking other people lots of questions about themselves. Some people can talk anytime about anything.

Maybe while you are walking, have a good look at what is around you, take notice of the different plants, colours, textures and shapes of things. I have started taking photos on my mobile phone, helps me to feel more connected with where ever I am.

Do you like to explore the unfamiliar places? Think of things you could share about different places with your family when you get home.

Hope you find more ways to connect.

Cheers from Doolhof

[Jamzies]

Hi Doolhof and Croix,

Thanks for the helpful messages that you have posted once again - I am personally finding this helpful as I set off tomorrow.

After a bit of consideration, I do believe the occasional shyness and unwillingness to open up is affecting my ability to enjoy these activities and have fun. These signs and symptoms of my homesickness are clear, and I have seen this repetitive pattern many times. You are right when mentioning about talking to others - I've especially seen how my pain was eased after talking to others and getting out of my comfort zone. With these tips, I believe that I can develop a positive mindset and view to current and future camps.

Thank you once again Doolhoof and Croix, I hope to see how things turn out at camp.

Maybe I'll post again when my camp is complete...

Regards from Jamzies

[Croix]

Dear Jamzies~

We would like it you gave us an update on your return. I hope all goes well

Croix

[Doolhof]

Hi Jamzies,

Wishing you well for the camp! Like Croix, I will be curious to know how you get on with the camp.

Hope you have a wonderful time, learn many things and discovery new ways of connecting and communicating with people and your environment.

Cheers to you from Doolhof.

[Jamzies]

Hi all,

Returning from camp was a great moment when I finally returned home yesterday. Regarding the camp, I have mixed emotions about how I performed with these tips (though this may be considered a different topic).

I did as expected, and talked to many others within the duration of the camp. Though time passed slowly, it was a good moment when many others came along and joined in. As an oddity, I didn't feel too homesick at many times, though I had short flashbacks on day 1 or 2. Those times were when I suddenly thought about those topics, but other than that there were no other reoccurrences, which puzzled me considering that I had been desperately homesick the days before the departure.

There were many ups and downs - not all allowed the passing of time to be sped up. I know everything can't be exciting, such as walking in the rain, but maybe I didn't prefer nature walks. Waking up rather early at 4 am wasn't enjoyable either, but it was eventually dealt with. Slowly, but steadily, time did seem to pass a little faster when chatter was done. Even if I wasn't admiring nature, the activities did pass without any major concerns.

Somehow, I feel it was okay, but I don't know how to further describe with any further details - I'm having trouble recalling what happened. However, I can certainly say for sure that these tips in mind relieved the stress and sickness of home.

Can't thank you enough for these tips - they worked!

Regards,

Jamzies

[Croix]

Dear Jamzies~

Frankly I'm delighted. Thank you for the update which to me seems to be there best you could have possibly expected under the circumstances.

Incidentally I suppose there are some who do genuinely like nature walks in the rain, I'm not one of them either 🙂

You are building up resilience and I think that is really great.

It does not mean things are always pleasant, but you are becoming able to cope. And the more you cope the smaller future problems will seem.

Nothing wrong with being glad to be back home and enjoying it.

Croix