Phone Call Tips
Each year, we hear that phone calls between campers and parents can be both joyful and challenging. Camp is a deeply immersive experience, and stepping out of that world — even briefly — for a phone call can feel unusual and emotional for children. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few thoughts and suggestions to help parents approach these calls with confidence, understanding, and optimism.
Why Calls Can Feel Difficult
Phone calls from camp are short — just 8 to 10 minutes — and happen during an intense, fast-paced experience that’s hard to fully explain in a quick conversation. Some common challenges include:
The unique setting: It’s rare for children to speak with parents while being miles apart and fully immersed in a completely different world. This unfamiliar context can stir big emotions.
Limited phone skills: Kids aren’t always great at summarizing a week’s worth (or more) of activity, emotions, and experiences in a few minutes, especially when asked rapid-fire questions.
Emotional moments: It’s not unusual for campers to feel emotional during or after a call. That may stem from excitement, homesickness, difficulty recalling specifics, or simply the overwhelming nature of camp life.
The good news is that most calls go smoothly, and even when tears or worries arise, they can become moments of connection and support. Once the call ends, campers typically return to the camp rhythm quickly, with caring staff ready to help them re-engage.
If your call raises any questions or concerns you’d like to share, we welcome that feedback. Reach out to your child’s Assistant Director, or any member of our team you’ve been in touch with — we’re here to help!
Tips for a Successful Call
Set the tone. Your energy and approach matter. Instead of broad or leading questions like “How’s camp?” (which might get a one-word answer), try specific, open-ended prompts:
“Tell me about a friend you’ve made in the bunk.”
“What’s the funniest thing that happened this week?”
“What was your favorite evening activity so far?”
Focus on the whole picture. Children may mention a minor problem from a few days ago and skip over the more recent, amazing things. It helps to check photos or updates from the Campanion app or MyCLC beforehand, so you can ask informed questions that bring out the positive.
Avoid digging for the negative. While it’s natural to want to know how your child is really doing, asking questions that focus on problems may shift the conversation in an unhelpful direction. Try to stay balanced — acknowledge challenges, but also guide your child toward what’s going well.
Don’t take disinterest personally. Some kids are so immersed in camp fun that a phone call feels like an interruption. If your child seems distracted or short with you, it’s likely not about you — it’s just camp doing its job!
Consider what’s best for your child. If you think a phone call might cause more anxiety than comfort, it’s okay to delay or skip it. You know your child best.
Redirect if needed. If the call begins with complaints or sadness, let your child share, but try to gently shift the conversation back to the highlights of their week. Remind them they can speak with their counselors, the Division Leader, or the Assistant Director assigned to their Campus about any concerns, and let them know they’re not alone — we’re here to help.
We’re Here to Support You
If you have questions or insights to share after your call, don’t hesitate to reach out. Phone calls can be a valuable window into your child’s camp experience, and even when they’re tough, they offer us a chance to understand better and support your camper.
We’re always here to partner with you in making this summer meaningful, safe, and full of growth for your child.