For many families, summer camp is a cherished rite of passage. But if your child is shy, anxious, or heading to camp for the first time, the idea can feel more daunting than exciting. Will they make friends? Will they feel overwhelmed? Will they be able to speak up if they need help? The good news is that the right camp can be a powerful, confidence-building experience, if you choose carefully.
Here’s how to find a summer camp that supports, reassures and gently stretches shy or anxious children.
Start With the Right Type of Camp
Not all camps are created equal, especially for first-time campers. Day camps are often a great starting point, allowing children to return home each afternoon to familiar routines and comforts. For overnight camps, look for shorter sessions so your child can test the waters without a long commitment.
Specialty camps can also be a smart choice. Camps centered on a specific interest, such as art, animals, science or sports, give children an immediate sense of belonging and a built-in conversation starter. Sharing a passion with peers can ease social anxiety and help friendships form more naturally.
Look for Small Groups and Structure
Children who are shy or anxious often thrive in environments with predictable routines and smaller group sizes. Ask camps about counselor-to-camper ratios and group organization. Smaller groups mean more individual attention and less pressure to compete for space or voice.
A clear daily schedule is also reassuring. Knowing what comes next helps anxious children feel more in control. Camps that balance structure with flexibility tend to work best for kids who need gentle guidance rather than constant stimulation.
Ask About Counselor Training
Counselors play a critical role in shaping a child’s camp experience. When researching camps, ask how staff are trained to support shy, anxious or homesick campers. Do counselors proactively help children join activities and make friends? Are they trained to notice quiet kids who might slip under the radar?
The best camps don’t force participation but instead encourage it with patience and positivity. A counselor who knows how to offer a warm invitation, rather than a public push, can make all the difference for a hesitant child.
Communication Matters
For first-time campers, especially those prone to anxiety, clear communication between camp and home is key. Ask how the camp handles homesickness and whether parents are notified if a child is struggling. Some camps provide daily photos, brief updates, or access to a camp director for check-ins, which can be reassuring for both kids and parents.
At the same time, be mindful of how much contact your child will have with home. Too much communication can sometimes increase homesickness. Camps experienced with first-time campers can help you strike the right balance.
Involve Your Child in the Decision
Including your child in the camp-selection process builds confidence before camp even begins. Look at photos together, watch camp videos, or attend an open house or virtual tour. Encourage your child to ask questions and express concerns, and take those worries seriously.
Talking through “what if” scenarios, like what to do if they feel lonely or nervous, can also help your child feel prepared and empowered.
Trust the Process
It’s natural to worry, especially if your child is quiet or anxious by nature. But remember: Many camps are designed with first-time campers in mind, and growth often happens just outside a child’s comfort zone. With the right fit, camp can help shy kids find their voice, anxious kids build resilience, and first-time campers discover independence they didn’t know they had.
