Departure Day Reflection

By Rachael Botting, Ph.D.

You can download this resource (PDF format): Departure Day Reflection Guide

This resource is designed to be used by campers on the last day of camp. By giving campers space to reflect, you are equipping them to have better conversations with loved ones about their experience.

There are many ways to integrate reflection and conversation into the final day of camp. Check out the “Making the Most of Pick-Up Day” resource to generate some initial ideas!

Departure Day Reflections

Elementary Version

You did it! We are so happy you came to camp this week and can’t wait for you to tell your family about your experiences. We hope you had fun here, and even though you are excited to see your family, we know that you may also be sad to leave camp.

Today, we want you to take a few minutes to think about your experience here this week and write down a few things to share with your family when you see them.

• What was your favorite food that you ate this week?
• What is one activity you did that you would like to try and do at home?
• What is one thing you learned about God this week?
• What is one thing that you helped with at camp that you could also help with at home?

TO PARENTS: We are so grateful that you trusted us with your children this week. Your camper’s reflections are a great way to facilitate conversation with them about their experience. It might take them some time to process their experience, but talking about camp is a great way to help new skills and new abilities stick.

Departure Day Reflections

Middle/High School Version

You did it! We are so happy you came to camp this week and can’t wait for you to tell your family about your experiences. We hope you had fun here, and even though you are excited to see your family, we know that you may also be sad to leave camp.

Today, we want you to take a few minutes to think about your experience here this week and write down a few things to share with your family when you see them.

• What was your favorite food that you ate this week?
• What is one activity you did that you would like to try and do at home?
• What is one thing you learned about God this week?
• What is different about you as a result of camp? In other words, how do you think you have changed?
• What do you want your parents or family to know about your experience and how it has impacted you?
• What is something your family can do to encourage you as head home from camp and get back to normal life?

TO PARENTS: We are so grateful that you trusted us with your children this week. Your camper’s reflections are a great way to facilitate conversation with them about their experience. It might take them some time to process their experience, but talking about camp is a great way to help new skills and new abilities stick.