Preparing Your Child for International Camp: FAQs Answered by a Camp Director

One of the biggest questions I get from subscribers is: "How do I actually prepare my kid for international camp?" It's one thing to pick a camp — it's another to make sure your child (and you) are emotionally ready for it.

I sat down with Lana Vidyaeva, Assistant Director at Village Camps, to get expert answers to the most common questions parents ask.

How can I help my child feel emotionally ready for camp?

• Go through the program together. Show them videos and photos of the camp. Let them see what a typical day looks like.
• Remind them everything is new for everyone. They won't be the only one who doesn't know anyone.
• Remind them you're a phone call away. Knowing they can reach you if they really need to provides a safety net.
• Frame it as a short, special adventure. Not a long separation — an exciting experience with a clear start and end.

How can parents prepare themselves for the separation?

This one is for you, not your kid:

• Reach out to the camp team. Ask questions, get familiar with the staff.
• Know the program inside and out. The more you understand what your child will be doing, the less anxious you'll feel.
• Know who is caring for your child. Names, qualifications, contact info.
• Expect regular updates. Good camps share photos, daily summaries, and check-ins.

How do camps help children settle in during the first 48 hours?

The first two days are everything. At Village Camps:

• Small group games and icebreakers start immediately
• Staff pay close attention to each child's needs
• The focus is on kindness, safety, and understanding
• Activities are designed to build connections fast

How do you handle homesickness?

Homesickness is completely normal — especially in the first few days. Here's what good camps do:

• Staff are trained to guide children through it (not dismiss it)
• They keep campers engaged with activities they're excited about
• They walk kids through the exciting things coming up
• Most homesickness passes within 48 hours

What should families do before arrival?

• Emotionally prepare both yourself and your child
• Watch camp videos and browse photos together
• Complete all travel and health forms well in advance
• Review the packing list together (let your child help pack)
• Connect with other families in advance — a phone call or video chat with another camper before arrival can make a huge difference

Is it safe to send my child to camp abroad?

I get this question a lot, and I understand the concern. Here's what I tell parents:

• The camps I recommend are long-established programs with extensive reviews and track records
• International camps are incredibly low risk — in many cases, as safe or safer than US-based camps
• The countries I recommend (Switzerland, UK, France, Spain) have strong safety standards
• Book camps 6 months in advance when possible — this gives you time to research, visit reviews, and feel confident

My own son's advice for first-time campers: "Say hi to everyone as soon as you meet them and tell them your hobbies."

Do kids have trouble adjusting?

My kids don't — they've been in camps and group settings since they were little. But every child is different. A few tips that help:

• Connect with other families attending the same camp before you go
• Arrange a phone call or playdate with another camper if possible
• Let your child pick some of their camp activities (give them ownership)
• Start with a shorter session if it's their first time abroad

When should I start planning?

I recommend starting 6 months in advance. This gives you time to:

• Research camps thoroughly
• Secure housing near the camp
• Arrange transportation and logistics
• Set up pre-camp connections with other families

That said — you can book 1–2 weeks in advance if needed. Many camps have rolling enrollment.

What My Newsletter Subscribers Get

In my weekly newsletter, I share specific camp recommendations with direct booking links, exclusive subscriber discount codes, and real-time updates as registration windows open. If you're planning an international camp experience for 2026, the newsletter has everything you need.