Each summer about 5 million children in America pack up and go to sleep-away camp, according to the American Camp Association, looking forward to sports, drama and late night games of Truth or Dare. For many kids, overnight camp is the child’s first or longest time away from his or her parents. While this opportunity can be exhilarating for many children, it can also become stressful and cause problems with sleep. Bonnie Dunn, one of the executives at the American Camp Association, recognizes that overnight camp can require some adjustment for children: "All of a sudden there are 20 people in their bedroom," Dunn told the Washington Post. "That's a very different experience."

Melissa Skolnick, a recent graduate of Indiana University, recalls a significant adjustment period when she went to sleep-away camp for the first time. "I was nine years-old and it was my first time really sleeping away from home," Melissa says. "Those first few nights were the hardest. Every time I tried to sleep I missed my parents more."

Like Melissa, many children aren’t fully prepared for the independence that comes with going to overnight camp, and this can decrease both the fun of their experience and amount of sleep each night. So what can parents do to help their children make this new experience a successful one? Jodi A. Mindell, PhD and Associate Director of the Sleep Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, recommends "Practice, practice, practice. Children should practice getting themselves ready for bed, as their mom or dad won't be there to assist. In addition, they should have practice sleepovers at friends' houses, if they haven't already done so."

It’s also important for parents to pay attention to their children’s fears before they leave for camp, according to camp director Joanne Kates in a Today’s Parent article. "A parent needs to find out where the worries are," Kates says. Kids might have lots of questions like "who will tuck me in at night?" "What if I can’t fall asleep?" "Will it be okay if I bring my stuffed animal or blanket?" Kates recommends that parents talk to camp directors about issues like bed time routines and she encourages parents to take their children’s concerns seriously and try to give their kids as much information as possible.

Once kids arrive at camp, counselors recognize that there will be an adjustment period for many children and that homesickness tends to get worse during downtime such as a rest hour or bedtime. As a result, counselors usually schedule a full day’s worth of activities for their campers. Nevertheless, when bed time rolls around there is still a possibility for children to experience sleeplessness when they’re away from home.

The good news is that some children actually sleep better when they go away to camp, according to Mindell. Between a strict schedule of bed times and wake times, and a rest time built into every day, Mindell says children get used to a regular schedule and this can improve their sleep habits. Despite this fact, parents should be prepared to bring home tired kids who will need time adjusting to sleeping at home again. "Kids at camp will come home exhausted," Mindell says. "Parents should expect their child to sleep on most of the ride home, whether on the camp bus or if they pick them up, and the first few nights at home they will be catching up."

More Resources:

Is your child ready for sleep-away camp? Take this quiz to find out!

American Camp Association, camp resources and advice for parents from Dr. Christopher Thurber, co-author of the "Summer Camp Handbook"

National Camp Association, "How to Choose a Camp"