1. Homesickness: This is one of the most frequent problems in camping.

Cause:

1. Strong parental attachment.
2. Missing the "gang" back home.
3. Sudden loss of privacy.
4. Missing one's pet.
5. Being sent to camp against one's own will.
6. Lack of spending money.
7. Fear of larger children.

Symptoms/Treatments

1. Watch for loners—people who stay by themselves or wander off from the group could be homesick. Get them involved!
2. Be extra-friendly and spend extra time with children who seem to be homesick.
3. Involvement in camp activities is excellent. Find out what they want to do and help them do it.
4. Ignore hysteria.
5. Don't ridicule a homesick camper.

2. Bullying

Symptoms:

1. Bossing other children around.
2. Using force to get his/her own way.

Solutions:

1. Counsel the camper, showing how silly it is to use force to gain leadership.
2. Give camper opportunities to lead in games or other activities.
3. Deprive bullies of valued privileges.
4. Allow the group to express their sentiments concerning the bully's actions.

3. Lack of Participation

Resists program and stays away from activities.

Solutions:

1. Learn camper's likes and dislikes.
2. Seek to arouse enthusiasm.
3. Get cabin mates to encourage the camper to participate.

4. Show-off or Attention Seekers

Symptoms:

"Smart," "Big Wheel," "Show-off."

Solutions:

1. Ignore camper, i.e., try not to reinforce negative behavior.
2. Help those around the camper to understand the real problem, self-image.
3. Arrange areas where the camper can get legitimate attention.

5. Bed Wetting

This problem is found mostly among younger campers. It is a psychological problem for some. For others it is physiological.

Solutions:

1. Restrict fluid intake before bedtime.
2. Make sure the child goes to the bathroom before retiring.
3. Talk with the child (confidentially) about the problem.
4. Keep a light on in the bathroom for the children who are afraid of the dark.
5. Awaken bed wetters at nights and take them to the bathroom.

6. Immoral Attitudes

Symptoms:

Stealing, lying, cheating.

Solutions:

1. Explain right and wrong to the camper.
2. Remove the source of temptation.
3. Deprive the child of privileges.
4. Attempt to make restitution.
5. Establish a sympathetic relationship.
6. Seek to induce the child to worthwhile activities.
7. Show scriptural principles governing the problem.

--Adapted from Camp Good News Manual, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Lynn Ridenhour, "Resource Manual for Church of God Camping"