PACC: Practicing Overnight Stays
For many kids, going to camp is a huge step toward independence. But like any big step, it helps to practice first. One of the best ways to set up a first-time camper for success is by doing short overnight stays beforehand. These practice sessions give campers the chance to adjust to being away from home while still feeling supported and safe.
Overnight stays—whether at a friend’s house, with grandparents, or even at a weekend sleepover event—help build familiarity with being away from their regular routine. It might not seem like a big deal, but little things like sleeping in a different bed, being in someone else’s home, and managing bedtime on their own are great confidence boosters.
These practice experiences also give kids a chance to notice what helps them feel comfortable. Maybe it’s having a familiar pillow or stuffed animal, a bedtime story routine, or knowing they can talk to an adult if they need help. Understanding these needs ahead of time prepares them to self-advocate and feel more in control once they’re at camp.
Camper Quest!
By completing 2 out of 3 Quests in May, campers can earn a special friendship bracelet!
Camper Quest: Plan an Overnight Stay & practice. Then, fill out our Overnight Stay Reflection Worksheet!
For parents, practice stays are a great opportunity to observe how your child handles being away and to talk through any concerns. Did they enjoy themselves after the first night? Use that feedback to create a game plan for camp—whether that means packing special items or talking about homesadness in advance.
After the stay, reflect on the experience together. Ask open-ended questions like “What was your favorite part?” or “Was anything harder than you expected?” Celebrate the wins—even if they had moments of homesadness—and talk about what helped them feel better. This reflection reinforces resilience and helps both of you prepare for the next step.
The goal isn’t to make overnight stays perfect—it’s to build experience. Each one gives your camper a sense of “I did it!” that they’ll carry with them to summer camp. And when the big day arrives, they’ll be better prepared emotionally and mentally to take on all the new adventures that camp brings.
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We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the topics above, please reach out to Katy Harvill via email.
