Amped for Camp
Helping First-Time Campers Build Confidence for Summer Adventures
For many children, sleepaway camp is a milestone filled with possibility. New friendships, new activities, greater independence, and memories that can last a lifetime. But alongside the excitement often comes something else: nervousness.
On May 16, Ness360 Psychology clinicians Jamie Sall, LCSW, and Lexi Katz, LMSW hosted Amped for Camp, an interactive workshop designed to help first-time campers prepare emotionally for the transition to sleepaway camp. The goal was simple: help children understand that excitement and anxiety can exist at the same time, and equip them with practical tools to navigate both.
Many children assume that feeling nervous means they are not ready for camp, or that something is wrong. In reality, new experiences often bring a combination of anticipation, curiosity, uncertainty, and excitement. Learning to recognize and accept these feelings can help children approach camp with greater confidence and self-compassion.
Through discussion and activities, participants explored the idea that courage isn't the absence of nervousness, it's moving forward even when those feelings show up.
Building an Emotional Toolbox
The workshop focused on helping campers develop practical coping strategies they can take with them when summer arrives.
Children learned how to:
Check in with their feelings and recognize what emotions they are experiencing
Identify trusted adults and understand when and how to seek support
Develop strategies for managing homesickness
Practice self-soothing techniques during challenging moments
Build confidence in their ability to handle new situations
Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings, the focus was on helping children understand that emotions provide information and that they have the skills to respond effectively when challenges arise.
One of the highlights of the workshop was helping participants create personalized coping plans and "coping kits" they can bring with them to camp. These tools give campers something tangible to turn to when they encounter moments of uncertainty, homesickness, or overwhelm.
While the workshop focused on sleepaway camp, the skills discussed extend far beyond a few weeks of summer.
Learning how to identify emotions, ask for help, tolerate discomfort, and use healthy coping strategies are life skills that support children in school, friendships, extracurricular activities, and future transitions. Experiences like camp provide valuable opportunities for children to practice resilience, independence, and confidence in a supportive environment.
At Ness360 Psychology, we believe that preparation and support can make new experiences feel more manageable and empowering. Amped for Camp provided children with a space to ask questions, share concerns, connect with peers, and leave feeling more equipped for the adventures ahead.
