What Should I Do If I Am Missing Home or Homesick at Camp?
A bonus What Should I Do If episode for camp season. When homesickness hits at camp, a sleepover, or grandma's house, kids learn from Psalm 56:3 and the example of Daniel that the answer is not to push the feeling down but to take it to God, with three simple steps to use the moment it shows up.
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For Parents
Homesickness hits almost every kid at camp, a sleepover, or grandma's house, usually the moment the lights go out. In this bonus episode Pastor Justin shares his own camp story (and his son Canon's), walks kids through Psalm 56:3 and the example of Daniel, then gives three simple steps: name it, take it to God right when it hits, and tell a trusted adult. Before drop-off, tell your kid one of your own homesick stories and pray over them. It helps more than telling them they won't be homesick.
The One Thing for the Ride
“Homesickness is real. The answer is not to push it away. The answer is to talk to God.”
Scripture
Psalm 56:3
CSB
Key Takeaways
- Homesickness is real. The answer is not to push it away. The answer is to talk to God.
- Psalm 56:3 says "when I am afraid," not "if," so fear is part of being human, even for kids who follow Jesus.
- Wherever you go, God is already there. He came with you to camp (Psalm 139:7-8).
- Daniel kept praying three times a day far from home in Babylon, and God walked with him the whole way.
- Three steps when homesickness hits: name it, take it to God in the moment, and tell a trusted adult.
Try This Week
- Name it: say it out loud or to God, "I'm missing home right now." Naming a feeling makes it smaller.
- Take it to God right in the moment: pray "God, I miss my family. Will You be with me right now?"
- Tell a trusted adult at camp: "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute? I've been feeling homesick and I just wanted you to know."
Talk It Over
When was a time you felt far from home, and what helped you feel close to God in that moment?