For some families, sleepaway camp is a family legacy—a childhood rite of passage. For other families, this big summer step is a totally new adventure. Whether you’ve already booked a sleepaway camp for next year, or are considering it, there are a lot of ways your child will benefit—many of which you probably haven’t even considered.
Read our interview with Camp Advisor and mom of three Melissa Post, who is part of the duo behind Westport Moms! After going to camp herself, and sending her own kids, she’s helping other families do the same.
Can you please tell us a little about your family’s camp background?
I grew up outside of Boston and went to an all-girls, uniform, very traditional 8-week camp for nine summers. I then went back as a tennis counselor and for as long as I can remember, camp was always in my blood.
For me, camp was the eight weeks of the year I could truly be myself. I could throw my hair in a bun on the top of my head and not care what I was wearing or what anyone else thought. I could cheer extra loud, try new things (some I loved, and others I learned I didn’t!), and where I made friends to last a lifetime. My three best friends in the world are still from camp, and one lives in my town now which is the greatest gift imaginable—we play tennis together every week!
Amazing! Which camp did you go to?
I went to Tripp Lake Camp in Maine, and my twin daughters go there now; Summer 2026 will be their SIXTH summer!
And now you’re advising others on camp—can you share a little bit about that?
For 10 years, I have been a “camp advisor” for Camp Specialists, helping people learn about the sleepaway camp process, and helping them navigate the selection process.
What have your kids gotten out of sleepaway camp?
My kids (and they say this every summer when they get home) have the chance to truly unplug from devices and connect with friends, counselors and others! They love the chance to talk, to play, to be silly and to not even think about what others may be doing, or might think, or might say.
My 3 kids have varied interests and do many different activities at home. At camp, they have gotten to try new things we may not have time to sign them up for at home. Each of them has found something they love doing at camp they never would have found otherwise, namely water skiing, tennis, softball, and writing for the camp newspaper!
Many parents mention wanting their child to gain independence from camp—have you found that to be true?
Yes! Every summer, my three come home more independent than when they left; whether it’s remembering to wear their retainer (without a reminder), being able to spread the butter on a bagel, or just being more mindful of personal space, they grow and change in a wonderful way.
They have all had the chance to be leaders in different ways. Whether it is on a color war team, helping a younger camper learn something they once learned, or helping a friend work through a difficult situation, they are learning to solve problems in new ways, to teach, to lead, to feel confident and to try things knowing it is okay to not get it right the first time around. The safe and supportive environment of camp is something we can’t create at home no matter how hard we try!
Love that! What do you say to parents nervous about their kids being homesick?
It is extremely common—and normal—to be nervous about a child being homesick. Most kids do get homesick. It is also true that most kids overcome their homesickness and recognize they can do something they may not have expected, and they gain a tremendous amount of pride and confidence from the experience.
What’s the biggest misconception about sleepaway camp?
I think people don’t realize how many different sleepaway camp options exist today ranging from 10 days to 7 weeks. When we were kids, most people went for 4-8 weeks and it was a smaller subset of people who went. With the rise of technology (and the reliance so many have on devices) camp of any length can be a true gift for the kids—and their parents. The opportunities that exist today are so far reaching and can meet the needs of so many different kids with different interests, backgrounds, financial constraints and more!
More on camp from the Local Moms Network
Your Sleepaway Camp Questions Answered: Safety, Visiting Day & More!