Camp professional and parent Anne Izard reflects from the ACA National Conference on why summer camp is essential—and worth it—for today’s kids.

Preparing for camp doesn’t mean preventing homesickness—it means helping your child feel ready to move through it. A parent-centered guide to emotional preparation, staff support, and building confidence before summer begins.

A practical, parent-centered guide to supporting a homesick child at camp—without increasing anxiety or undermining independence.

Flying out of Silverton always means an early morning flight. A dark drive, a full moon, old music, and a quiet reflection on home, memory, and growing up.

A calm, experience-based look at homesickness at camp—why it happens, what kids need, and how parents can support growth.

A personal reflection on homesickness at camp—from expert to parent—and what it teaches us about trust, growth, and letting go.

A quiet January in Silverton—no snow, fewer crowds, and a reminder that not every season arrives with spectacle.

A personal reflection on homesickness at summer camp- from a former camper, camp director, and parent learning to let go.

A reflective essay on turning 44, listening for what’s shifting, and making space for what comes next.

Is my child ready for summer camp? Readiness isn’t about age. It’s about support, exposure, and how we lead kids through discomfort.