Director Jud's Blog

Turning homesickness into heart longing—helping campers grow, connect, and thrive at Stone Mountain Adventure

At Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA), we know that summer camp has the potential to be a transformative experience for teenagers. It’s a place where they can challenge themselves, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships. But for some campers—especially those new to the overnight camp experience—one common challenge can arise: homesickness.

Let’s explore what homesickness really means, why it happens, and how we help campers not just cope, but thrive.

What Is Homesickness? More Than Just Missing Home

The word "homesickness" combines "home" and "sickness," suggesting that being away from home causes an illness. But campers aren’t actually "sick"—they’re experiencing a longing for the familiar. They miss the comfort of family, the structure of home, and the security of the known.

But homesickness isn’t just about missing home—it’s about adjusting to a new environment, stepping outside of comfort zones, and learning resilience.

A New Perspective: "Heart Longing"

At SMA, we like to call this feeling "heart longing"—a natural part of missing home while also embracing new experiences. Unlike “homesickness,” which implies something negative, heart longing acknowledges the love campers have for home while also making room for growth, adventure, and newfound independence.

Rather than seeing homesickness as a problem to be solved, we view it as a stepping stone—a sign that campers are stretching themselves, trying something new, and learning to navigate the world on their own.

How to Help Campers Overcome Homesickness & Thrive at SMA

The best way to help campers move through homesickness is to keep them engaged, connected, and supported. At SMA, we’ve found that campers are least likely to feel homesick when they’re fully immersed in exciting camp activities.

Here’s how we help campers thrive:

✅ Stay Busy, Stay Happy

We design each day to be packed with adventure, challenges, and new experiences. Whether campers are rock climbing, horseback riding, or kayaking, they’re too busy having fun and making friends to dwell on what they’re missing at home.

✅ Build Meaningful Connections

From the moment campers arrive, we encourage them to form bonds with their peers and counselors. These relationships become a source of comfort and belonging, helping campers feel at home at SMA.

✅ Celebrate Small Wins

Overcoming homesickness is a process, and every step forward counts. Whether it’s catching their first fish, mastering a new skill, or simply making it through the first night away from home, we celebrate each camper’s progress.

✅ Balance Structure & Free Time

While rest is important, too much unstructured time can give campers space to dwell on their emotions. Our schedule keeps them engaged while ensuring they have time to recharge without feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Create New Traditions & Memories

At SMA, camp becomes a second home through special traditions, campfire songs, themed dinners, and group adventures. These unique experiences help campers feel connected and excited about returning each summer.

SMA: A Home Away from Home

At Stone Mountain Adventures, we understand that homesickness is a natural part of growing up. Our small, family-oriented camp ensures that every camper feels seen, heard, and supported. Whether they’re conquering the ropes course, paddling down a river, or sharing stories under the stars, SMA campers gain confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships.

Ready to Help Your Camper Thrive This Summer?

If you’re considering sending your teen to overnight camp, know that they’ll be in good hands at SMA. Our experienced staff understands homesickness at summer camp, and we’re dedicated to helping campers turn it into an opportunity for growth.

💡 Learn more about our approach to helping campers thrive!
📅 Schedule a call with us today to see if SMA is the right fit for your child.

👉 Visit Our Website to Learn More!

So, here’s to a summer of adventure, laughter, and discovery.

S'Mores Truely

– Jud Millar

SMA Camp Director and Owner