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| source: focusonthefamily |
Let’s be honest: sending your kid off to summer camp is already an emotional rollercoaster. You hug them goodbye, remind them (for the tenth time) not to forget their toothbrush, and maybe cry a little in the car on the way home. That’s all normal. It’s part of the parenting job.
But when tragedy strikes, like the devastating Texas floods that claimed over 100 lives along the Guadalupe River, including campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, those usual nerves can quickly morph into paralyzing anxiety. How do you let go when the world suddenly feels unsafe?
As someone who’s both a parent and a chronic overthinker, I dove into expert insights to figure out how we’re supposed to navigate moments like these. Here’s what I found, and what might help you breathe easier, too.
First, Let’s Acknowledge the Fear
If you’ve been glued to the news or lost sleep imagining worst-case scenarios at your child’s camp, you’re not alone. And honestly? You’re not wrong to feel that way.
According to Dr. Gail Saltz, a psychiatrist at New York Presbyterian, our brains are wired to react strongly when we see or hear about tragic events, especially ones involving kids in places we associate with safety. Camps are supposed to be magical, full of crafts, bunk beds, campfire songs, and muddy adventures. When that image is shattered, it shakes us to the core.
But Dr. Saltz also emphasizes that while fear is natural, letting it dictate our decisions isn’t always helpful. Avoidance might feel comforting in the moment, but it often feeds anxiety instead of resolving it.
Should You Still Send Your Kid to Camp?
Short answer: Yes, in most cases.
Dr. Saltz explains that experiencing independence and navigating unfamiliar environments (like sleepaway camp) is critical for kids’ growth and resilience. It teaches them how to build friendships, manage challenges, and become more confident in their own skin.
But here’s the caveat: not all kids are the same. If your child has a severe anxiety disorder, recent trauma, or a mental health condition that requires regular support, it’s okay to hold off. You’re not “overprotective”, you’re just being realistic.
Why This Particular Tragedy Feels So Personal
What happened in Texas wasn’t just devastating, it felt intimate. Families across the country saw themselves in the campers and counselors who were affected. For many of us, it struck a nerve we didn’t expect.
Bob Ditter, a therapist who works closely with the American Camp Association, said something that really stuck with me: camps are more than just places, they’re sacred memory zones. To imagine those joyful spaces swept away is heartbreaking. It’s grief mixed with fear, and it’s no wonder it hits so hard.
The Psychology Behind Our Reactions
Our brains are always looking for patterns. So when something rare but tragic happens, it can feel like it’s suddenly likely to happen again. That’s not reality, it’s our minds trying to protect us, often through catastrophic thinking.
Dr. Saltz describes this as our irrational fear taking the driver’s seat. But she also reassures us: even major tragedies like the Camp Mystic floods are incredibly rare. The fact that they’re so shocking is proof of how uncommon they are.
What to Say to Your Kids (And What Not To)
Here’s the tricky part: your child might hear about the news, especially older kids or ones connected to social media. So what should you say?
Keep it simple and honest
Don’t ignore it if they bring it up. Reassure them that while something very sad happened, it’s extremely rare and they are safe.Let them ask questions
Even if you don’t have all the answers, listening is powerful. You can always say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” or “Let’s talk about that together.”Limit media exposure
Constant news coverage can do more harm than good. Rewatching or over-talking about the tragedy increases anxiety. For both you and your child.Don’t include scary news in letters or check-ins
If your child is already at camp, don’t add to their worries by writing about national tragedies in letters or phone calls. Keep the tone warm and encouraging.
What Parents Can Do to Feel a Bit More in Control
It’s okay to want reassurance. Here’s how you can find some without spiraling:
Call the camp and ask about emergency protocols. How do they handle weather events? How do they communicate with parents?
Ask about mental health resources. Is there a counselor on site? How do they handle homesickness or emotional distress?
Talk about risk in a balanced way. Show your kids that it’s okay to feel uncertain, and that we can move forward anyway.
Final Thoughts: Resilience Starts at Home
Parenting isn’t about eliminating all risks. It’s about building the emotional muscles to live with them, and teaching our kids to do the same.
Summer camp is a rite of passage for so many kids. And yes, it comes with some separation anxiety, especially in a post-tragedy world. But it also comes with growth, laughter, lifelong memories, and the kind of confidence that only comes from doing something hard, and loving it anyway.
So hug them tight, pack the extra sunscreen, and remind them (and yourself): the world may be unpredictable, but we’re strong enough to face it, together.