It’s natural to want updates while your child is away at camp, especially if it’s their first time spending nights away from home. But in most cases, direct communication between parents and students is limited during camp. This isn’t a sign that something’s gone wrong. It’s often a positive part of the experience that helps children grow their independence and confidence.
This page explains how communication is typically handled, when parents are contacted, and how you can support your child before they leave.
Why Contact Is Often Limited
Most schools limit direct communication during camp to help students focus on the experience and build confidence away from home. While this might feel challenging at first, it’s often one of the most valuable aspects of camp.
Reasons for Limited Contact
- Encourages independence. Being away from home without regular check-ins helps children develop resilience and self-reliance.
- Reduces homesickness. Frequent contact can sometimes make children feel more unsettled rather than reassured.
- Supports the group experience. With everyone following the same approach, it helps avoid comparisons or distractions.
- Practical limits. Many camps have limited phone coverage, no student phone access, or no capacity to manage regular updates.
Teachers and staff are always nearby to support students, and they’ll contact you if something needs your attention.
How Schools Keep Parents Informed
Even if you don’t hear from your child directly, many schools offer general updates so parents know everything is going well. These updates focus on group activities and overall wellbeing rather than individual reports.
Ways Schools May Communicate
- Group emails or app updates from the teacher
- Posts on the school’s website or social media
- A short summary at the end of each day or at the end of camp
- Photos of group activities (if permitted by the school’s privacy policy)
These updates are usually sent once a day or every couple of days, depending on the school’s communication plan and the availability of reception or internet access.
When You’ll Be Contacted Directly
While day-to-day contact is limited, teachers will always get in touch if something important comes up. Schools have clear protocols for when parents need to be informed during camp.
You’ll Be Contacted If:
- Your child becomes unwell or injured and needs medical attention
- Your child is seriously unsettled and not coping
- There’s a change to arrival or departure times
- An emergency affects the camp or group as a whole
Teachers carry emergency contact information for each student and will call you directly if there’s a situation that requires your attention or action.
If Behaviour Becomes an Issue
Very occasionally, a child’s behaviour may become unsafe or too disruptive to manage within the camp setting. If this happens, the school will contact you to talk through the situation. In some cases, you may be asked to collect your child early.
This is only ever a last resort. Schools will work to resolve issues first and will keep you informed of any concerns as they arise.
Supporting Your Child Ahead of Camp
Talking with your child about communication expectations before camp can help reduce any anxiety about being away from home. It also gives them a few simple tools to manage their feelings while they’re there.
What You Can Do
- Explain that it’s normal not to be in touch during camp, and that this is part of the experience
- Let them know they’ll always have a teacher or adult nearby if they need help
- Reassure them that you’ll be thinking of them and are looking forward to hearing all about it when they get back
- Keep your tone positive and avoid focusing too much on “missing each other”
Encouraging your child to speak up if they’re worried, tired, or unsure helps them feel more in control while they’re away.
What to Avoid Sending
It can be tempting to pack a little extra to make your child feel more comfortable at camp, but most schools have clear guidelines about what not to bring. These rules are in place to keep things fair, simple, and focused on the group experience.
Items to Leave at Home
- Mobile phones and smart watches (unless the school has said otherwise)
- Letters or notes unless the school encourages it as part of the camp experience
- Extra snacks or treats which may conflict with the camp’s food policy or create issues for children with allergies
- Toys or gifts which can become distractions or get lost
These rules help keep the focus on the shared experience and reduce the chance of distractions or lost items.
Following the school’s guidelines helps ensure your child has the same opportunities as everyone else to participate, socialise, and settle into camp life.
School camps can be one of the most memorable parts of the year, but they do come with a cost. The next page explains what’s usually included in the camp fee, how schools support families who need help, and what options are available if you’re worried about payment.
