There’s a day that comes—sooner or later—for every family. A day you may have mentioned in passing, but that suddenly becomes real:
“Mom, Dad… only one week left until my first summer camp!”
For many families, this moment brings a bit of vertigo. Your child—who seemed to still sleep with their stuffed animals just yesterday—is now packing their bag to go away alone for a few days. Excitement mixes with doubts. And yes, fears also arise: “Will they have a good time? Will they adjust? What if they miss us—how will they react? What if I miss them even more than they miss me?”
This is completely normal.
Summer camps are a school of life, but they’re also an emotional milestone—for both kids and parents. The change in environment, the autonomy, the new friendships, being away from home… All of this can cause uncertainty, but it’s also a golden opportunity to grow, learn, and gain confidence.
In this article, we want to guide you from fear to excitement by offering practical tools, reflections, and emotional insights to make this transition with confidence and joy.
Let’s start with the mind: understanding fear
Children’s brains are constantly evolving. In new situations, their emotional side activates intensely, which is why they may show resistance or nervousness when talking about their first camp. But here’s the key:
Fear is not the enemy. It’s a guide. It tells us we’re approaching a challenge that can help us grow.
Emotional tip: Validate your child’s feelings. Don’t say, “Don’t be afraid,” but rather:
“I completely understand. I would have felt a bit nervous too. But I know you’re capable of living this adventure, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
How to choose a camp with values and trust
A good camp shouldn’t just convince you as a parent. It should also reassure and excite your child. At English Summer, we’ve been preparing for this “first time” for over 40 years as if it were the only one—because we know how special it truly is.
Camps to learn English naturally and in a fun way
Safe, natural settings designed for every age group
Educators and counselors who care for the emotional balance of participants
Fun, sports, and creative activities that spark real connections
Pro tip: Show them photos, videos, and stories from past campers. If possible, visit the camp location ahead of time. Familiarizing them with the environment reduces anticipatory anxiety and turns the unknown into something familiar.
Talk about it naturally and with enthusiasm
How you talk about the camp matters a lot. If you present it as a separation, it will cause fear. If you describe it as a fun and enriching adventure, they’ll get excited.
Avoid phrases like:
“It’ll be good for you to toughen up,”
“You’re old enough now,”
“Maybe this will help you stop being so shy…”
Instead, try:
“You’ll make so many new friends to play with,”
“You’ll learn English and discover activities you’ll love,”
“There are some really kind counselors who’ll take great care of you…”
Get them involved in the preparation: pack the suitcase together, choose something special to take along (like a book or a journal), think of a personal challenge… This creates excitement and active participation.
The goodbye: emotions on the surface
That first goodbye is never easy. There may be tears—not just from the little ones. But this moment is key to conveying trust and emotional security.
Avoid making promises like:
“If you don’t like it, you can come home.”
Instead, say:
“I know you're nervous. But I’m so proud of you. There are lots of people there to help you, and I’ll be thinking about you while you’re having fun.”
The invisible (but powerful) benefits
When they return from camp, they come back changed. And not just because they’ve learned new English words or mastered the session’s choreography.
They come back as a child who is:
More autonomous
More sociable
More resilient
With greater self-esteem
And often… excited to go back the next summer!
That’s when you realize it was worth it—despite the initial fear.
English Summer S.A.: your partner in this adventure
We understand that sending your child to their first English summer camp is a decision full of emotions. That’s why our team supports each family with care, communication, and experience.
Camps in Tarragona: Prades, Poblet, Vallclara, and Tamarit
English with native teachers using communicative methods
Safe natural environments and a team that prioritizes care and wellbeing
From fear to excitement… All you need is to feel supported
The first separation can be scary—but it’s also the first solo flight toward discovery and growth. At English Summer S.A., we’re here to help take that first step—a memory that will last a lifetime.
Check out our camps [here] or contact us to answer any questions you may have.