PACC: Understanding Your Emotions
Camp can be an amazing experience filled with fun activities, new friends, and unforgettable memories. But if this is your camper’s first time going to camp, they may be feeling a mix of emotions—excited, nervous, happy, or even a little unsure. Guess what? That’s totally normal! Understanding emotions and knowing how to handle them can help you and your camper have a great camp experience.
What Are Emotions, and Why Do We Have Them?
Emotions are the way our brain and body react to things happening around us. They help us understand the world and decide what to do. Scientists say emotions come from different parts of our brain, like the amygdala, which helps us feel fear and excitement, and the prefrontal cortex, which helps us think about and control our emotions.
When we feel emotions, our body reacts too! For example, if we’re scared, our heart might beat fast, or if we’re happy, we might smile and feel warm inside. Some emotions, like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear, are basic emotions that everyone feels. Others, like pride or guilt, are more complex and depend on what we’ve learned from our families and friends.
Emotions are important because they help keep us safe, make choices, and connect with others. For example, you might feel excited when thinking about roasting marshmallows over a campfire but nervous about being away from home. You might feel happy when playing games with new friends but frustrated if something doesn’t go as planned. Even when emotions feel big, they are a normal part of life and help us grow!
Camper Quest!
By completing 2 out of 3 Quests in March, campers can earn a special friendship bracelet!
With help from an adult at home, keep an emotions journal for one week. Write down the emotions that you have felt throughout the day and discuss them.
You can even use our EMOTIONS WHEEL to help your camper identify what emotions they are feeling!
Common Feelings You Might Have at Camp
At camp, you’ll experience all sorts of emotions, and that’s okay! Here are some common feelings and what you can do when you notice them:
Angry – Feeling mad or upset, like when something seems unfair or frustrating.
What to do: Take deep breaths, talk to an adult or cabin leader, or try a calming activity like drawing or writing.
Confused – Feeling unsure or puzzled, like when you don’t understand directions or a new game.
What to do: Ask a cabin leader or friend for help, take your time, and remember that it’s okay to have questions.
Worried – Feeling nervous or anxious, like when you’re unsure about what’s going to happen.
What to do: Talk to a friend or cabin leader, take deep breaths, remind yourself that new things can be exciting, and focus on one moment at a time.
Happy – Feeling joyful and content, like when you’re playing with friends or doing something you love.
What to do: Enjoy the moment, spread your happiness by being kind to others, and make great camp memories!
Silly – Feeling playful and goofy, like when you’re telling jokes or making funny faces.
What to do: Have fun, enjoy silly camp songs and skits, and make sure to include others in the fun!
Sad – Feeling down or upset, like when you may miss home, or something doesn’t go your way.
What to do: Talk to a cabin leader, write a letter home, do a fun activity to cheer yourself up, or remember that everyone feels this way sometimes.
Disappointed – Feeling let down, like when plans change, or something doesn’t turn out as expected.
What to do: Talk about how you feel, find something else fun to do, and remember that new opportunities can lead to unexpected fun!
Bored – Feeling uninterested or restless, like when there’s nothing fun to do.
What to do: Try a new activity, ask a cabin leader for ideas, or challenge yourself to make up a fun game with friends!
How to Handle Big Emotions at Camp
1. Talk About It – If you feel nervous, sad, or unsure, talk to a cabin leader or a friend. Camp is full of people who care about you!
2. Take Deep Breaths – If you feel overwhelmed, try this: Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for four seconds, then breathe out for four seconds. This helps calm your body and mind.
3. Be Kind to Yourself – It’s okay if you don’t get everything right the first time. Camp is about learning, growing, and having fun!
Camp is a Safe Place to Feel All Your Feelings
One of the best things about camp is that it’s a place where you can be yourself. Everyone—campers, cabin leaders, and directors— wants to help you have an awesome time. So, whether you feel super excited, a little nervous, or anything in between, just know that it’s all part of the adventure.
Camp is a time to explore, make memories, and learn more about yourself. So get ready to have an incredible summer, embrace all your emotions, and have the best camp experience ever!
For more PACC resources, CLICK HERE!
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about the topics above, please reach out to Katy Harvill via email.
