Why You Should Support Your Child’s Adventure, Even When They Don’t Want to Go
As a parent, seeing your child scared or resistant to try something new can be heart-wrenching. The idea of sending them off to camp, especially when they’re saying, “I don’t want to go,” might make you second-guess your decision. But here is a strategy one mother uses successfully.
Her credo: “Camp is not negotiable.”
It works for her child as much as for herself.
Even when your child is nervous or afraid, camp offers life-changing growth opportunities that are worth the initial discomfort. And one of the biggest reasons for this transformation? Doing it, despite the initial resistance and fear. And realising how amazing it is to be in the outdoors and connecting with others and nature.
At camp, our facilitators do more than just lead activities—they stay with the group, forming relationships and providing continuous support. They are there to help your child navigate the inevitable challenges of camp, ensuring they have a safe space to push through fear and discover new strengths.
From “I Don’t Want to Go” to “I Can’t Wait to Go Back”
Take Ellie, a 10-year-old who was determined not to go to camp last summer. She cried the night before, full of worries: “What if I don’t make friends? What if I don’t like the food? What if I’m scared at night?” Her mom, Sarah, almost backed down. But she knew the camp environment, and the facilitators, would provide Ellie the structure and encouragement she needed to succeed. “Just give it a try,” Sarah gently insisted.
Ellie’s facilitator, Jen, immediately took her under her wing when she arrived. Jen wasn’t just a leader who ran activities—she was there all the time, getting to know Ellie’s fears and hesitations. She helped Ellie adjust to the new environment, guided her through activities she wasn’t sure about, and checked in often. By the third day, Ellie was not only trying new things, but embracing the full camp experience. “I never thought I’d do the ropes course, but Jen encouraged me, and I’m so glad I did it!” Ellie said.
The facilitators who stay with the group throughout camp provide that extra layer of reassurance, especially for kids who are nervous about being away from home. Jen helped Ellie push past her initial fear, making sure she felt supported in every activity. The result? Ellie came home brimming with confidence, knowing she was capable of doing things that once seemed impossible.
Overcoming the Fear of Being Away from Home
Jake was 11 when he first went to camp, and he was adamant about not going. “I’m not going. I’m going to hate it,” he said repeatedly. His mom, Jennifer, was torn, knowing how attached Jake was to home, but also knowing that camp could teach him independence.
Jake’s camp facilitator, Mike, quickly noticed his resistance. But instead of pushing Jake too fast, Mike gave him the time and space to adjust, all while staying by his side. Whether it was helping Jake get settled in the cabin or gently encouraging him to join group games, Mike’s steady presence helped Jake feel less overwhelmed. The turning point came when Jake realised he could count on Mike—not just as a leader, but as a guide through the entire camp experience. Slowly, Jake started stepping out of his comfort zone, participating in activities with a newfound sense of bravery.
“Mike was there the whole time,” Jake told his mom afterward. “Whenever I felt unsure, he was there to help, and by the end, I didn’t need as much help anymore.” This continuous support gave Jake the reassurance to embrace the experience and ultimately find joy in his independence.
Building Friendships with the Help of Facilitators
Jordan, who was worried about fitting in, nearly refused to go to camp. At school, he struggled to find his social footing, and the thought of being thrown into a group of strangers made him anxious. But his mom, Lisa, believed that camp could offer Jordan a fresh start, especially with the facilitators’ help.
At camp, Jordan’s facilitator, Emily, made it her mission to create a tight-knit group from day one. She didn’t just run activities; she encouraged teamwork and made sure everyone felt included. Emily noticed Jordan hanging back during the first few days, so she helped him find his place within the group by partnering him with another camper who shared his interests.
“Emily made sure I didn’t feel left out,” Jordan said afterward. “She helped me talk to the other kids, and by the end of the week, I had new friends.” The facilitators’ continuous presence is crucial in helping children who struggle socially. They foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, which allows friendships to develop naturally, even for the most hesitant campers.
Resilience in the Face of Homesickness
Homesickness is a common reason children resist camp, and it’s easy to understand why. Ava, an 8-year-old girl, was one such camper. Before she left, she clung to her mom, Emily, saying, “I’m going to miss you too much. What if I want to come home?”
Ava’s facilitator, Rachel, made it her priority to check in with her frequently during the first few days. Rachel’s constant presence helped Ava feel secure in the new environment, and she provided gentle encouragement when Ava expressed her homesickness. “I told Rachel I missed home, and she reminded me that it was okay to feel that way,” Ava said.
By the third day, Ava had adjusted, thanks to Rachel’s consistent support. Rachel didn’t just show up for specific activities—she was there all day, providing stability and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment. Knowing her facilitator was always there if she needed her gave Ava the confidence to stick it out. By the end of the week, Ava was laughing with new friends and hardly thought about home at all.
Facilitators: The Guides That Help Kids Grow
Outdoor facilitators play an essential role in a child’s camp experience. At Adventure Alternatives they stay with one group throughout the entire camp. It means they are able to build trust, understand each child’s specific needs, and offer personalised encouragement. Whether it’s helping a homesick camper adjust, easing the fears of a child trying a new activity, or fostering group connections, facilitators provide the glue that holds the camp experience together.
Their ongoing support makes the camp environment feel safe for children, especially those who are resistant or fearful about attending. The facilitators are more than just activity leaders; they are mentors who guide children through their challenges and celebrate their victories.
The Power of Pushing Through Fear with Support
For many children, the thought of going to camp is intimidating. The fear of the unknown, of being away from home, and of fitting in can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, those fears can be transformed into incredible opportunities for growth.
Outdoor facilitators make camp not only manageable but enjoyable for hesitant campers. They stay by the children’s sides, offering encouragement, building trust, and helping them navigate every challenge. So when your child says they don’t want to go, remember that camp is not negotiable.
Camp, supported by caring facilitators, gives your child the tools to grow, learn resilience, gain confidence, and build friendships in ways that wouldn’t be possible in their comfort zone at home. And as difficult as it may be in the moment, sending them off is one of the best gifts you can give them. With the guidance of their facilitators, they’ll return with new skills, stories, and a stronger sense of who they are.