School camp in nature. For some children, it's a real adventure, full of fun, laughter and unforgettable moments with friends. For others, the thought of five days without parents and the shelter of home is a mountain that is simply too steep to climb. When your child firmly declares that he doesn't want to go, you find yourself facing a difficult dilemma: should you listen to him and leave him at home, or should you encourage him to gather his courage and face the challenge?
Understanding fear – is it flight or serious distress?
Children experience new situations in very different ways. A school camp in nature is often their first extended time away from home, which can cause anxiety. For some, it is a normal fear of the unknown – questions like: “What if I’m lonely? What if something bad happens?” are completely normal. For others, it can be a deeper sense of insecurity or even intense anxiety related to new people, environments, or even the fear of sleeping outside the home.
The first step is always a conversation. Not just one, but several honest conversations where the child feels that you are listening to them and truly want to understand. Ask them what they are really worried about. Is he afraid that he won't find friends? Is he worried that he won't be able to make his own bed or that he will miss you? Often fears are less scary when we say them out loud.
Why it is important for a child to overcome obstacles
Life is full of challenges and sooner or later a child must understand that they will have to overcome some obstacles on their own. School in nature can be the ideal moment for this first step towards independence. When a child overcomes their fear and realizes that they can successfully spend a few days without their home routine, they get a sense of victory. That precious realization: “I can do it!” This experience can help them later in many other situations – when they go on their first excursion, study abroad or create their own home.
In addition, school in nature strengthens social skills. Children connect in a different way there – they sleep together in rooms, share impressions in the evenings during joint activities and get to know each other beyond the school desks. Some of the friendships that develop in these few days last a lifetime. Another important aspect is the self-confidence that is built when a child realizes that he can face fears and master a new situation.
When to respect a child's decision
Of course, it's not always easy. If your child is already showing signs of serious anxiety, staying in their own world and avoiding society, it's important to be vigilant. If you think there's a deeper problem, don't do them a favor by pushing them into a situation they're not ready for. You may end up scaring them even more and creating a trauma they'll carry with them for a long time. In this case, it's best to seek advice from their teachers and perhaps even talk to a school counselor. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough to give your child a sense of security - for example, allowing them to have something from home with them that calms them down, or promising them that they can contact a specific teacher if they have any problems.
How to help a child overcome fear
If you think your child just needs a little extra support to overcome their concerns, there are many things you can do: tell them a story about your own experiences with nature school or similar adventures, even if they weren't perfect. Children love stories and will understand the message more quickly if you present it through concrete events. Explain to them that your first days without your parents were also exciting, but in the end you only remembered the good things.
You can also make arrangements with other parents and organize meetings with classmates who go to school in nature. When a child sees that his friends can't wait to go, they often get excited. You can also do a "trial night" at grandma's, aunt's or friend's house - so that he sees that spending the night away from home is not as scary as he imagined.
The balance between gentle encouragement and coercion
It is important not to force your child in a way that would make them more withdrawn. Encouragement is effective if it is based on conversation, understanding and positive examples, not on ultimatums and punishments. Phrases like: “If you don’t go, you will disappoint your classmates!” or “Don’t be a coward!” will not achieve anything good. Instead, let your child know that you believe in them and in their ability to overcome their fear.
Every family has their own approach, but the most important thing is to strike a balance between respecting your child's emotional readiness and teaching them that life is full of challenges that can be overcome. If you show your child that you are there for them no matter what, and that you believe in their courage, there is a good chance that they will surprise you - both at school and in nature, and later in life.
