Embracing the New Photo Approach

We know that adjusting to a new way of seeing camp from home can be tough. It’s natural to want a daily glimpse of your camper’s smiling face, but trust us—less documentation means more presence, more fun, and more growth for your child. Here are a few ways to navigate this shift with confidence:

1. Manage the Urge to Check for Photos Constantly
It’s easy to get caught in the habit of refreshing the gallery, but remember: no news is good news at camp. Instead of checking multiple times a day, set a routine—maybe once in the evening. And if you don’t see a photo? That just means your camper was too busy having fun!

2. Set Expectations with Your Child
Before camp, talk with your child about why there will be fewer photos this summer. Let them know this isn’t about taking away memories—it’s about helping them be fully present and experience camp without distractions.

3. Write Down What You Want to Ask Later
Instead of trying to decode facial expressions in photos, keep a running list of things you want to ask when they get home. “What was the funniest thing that happened in your cabin?” or “Did you learn a new game?” will spark a much richer conversation than “Why weren’t you smiling in that one picture?”

4. Trust the Process
A week (or more!) without constant updates might feel unsettling, but camp is designed to help kids grow in independence, resilience, and confidence. By stepping back, you’re giving them the gift of self-reliance—and that’s worth more than a perfect photo.

5. Make Post-Camp Moments Meaningful
When the end-of-week photo dump arrives, look through the pictures together while unpacking or tackling the mountain of camp laundry. Let your child tell you their stories, rather than you piecing them together from snapshots. Ask open-ended questions and let them relive the week in their own words.

We know this is a shift, but we promise—it’s a change that prioritizes what truly matters about camp: real experiences, real friendships, and real growth.