My son (UK) is 8 years old and on his third overnight camp. He absolutely loves them and doesn't get homesick at all. His first camp was for three days, and the last one and this one have been week long camps. He goes alone without knowing anyone and is often the youngest in his group. He would go away for longer if he could!
It seems so much for his age and yet I know he seems to flourish with them overall. He had some mild bullying from some 10/11 year old kids in his group in his last camp which he handled so maturely and didn't put him off going at all. But he never mentioned it to us until he got home and I hate the thought of him handling it alone. I am insanely proud of him for how he hasn't let it shake his confidence, even if it has shaken mine!
Outwardly I am really supportive and encouraging of him doing more camps and I wouldn't be anything else. He has another week long camp booked for this summer. But I do feel some gnawing worry everytime he is away, and I gave into that today and rang the camp asking to speak with him before he went to bed. His camp started on Saturday. The heatwave temperatures made me want to check on him more than usual as they are outside doing activities all day. As expected he said he is fine and humoured my call and says he is happy/ has made friends/ avoided sunburn. I'll try and not ring again before he comes home at the weekend.
I guess I was just curious if others ring their kids at camp or feel similarly conflicted about them going away for so long at this age? I hope I didn't embarrass him with the check in call- I know it was mainly for my comfort rather than his. My husband is of the opinion we should just leave him be and he'll call us if he needs us.