Post Camp Debrief

How to Help Your Camper Reflect on Their Camp Experience

By Rachael Botting, Ph.D.

You made it! Camp is over and you have been reunited with your camper. Now what?

Deep questions about the impact of camp asked in the car on the way home may fall on deaf ears, but it is important to start the conversation and set the stage for a deeper debrief as they get back into their normal routine.

This guide provides some helpful questions to ask in the days and weeks after camp.

On The Car Ride Home

These are basic questions that allow campers to tell you what happened. Since these answers are based on fact instead of connections or emotions, they’re easier for the camper to share right away.

• Tell me about the food – were there any meals you want to start having at home?
• What new activities did you try?
• What was your favorite part?
• What are you going to miss most about camp?
• What are you looking forward to back at home?

First Week After Camp

These questions begin to edge more into helping your camper make connections. They’re more complex, requiring the camper to think more deeply about their experience.

• Tell me about a significant moment at camp. Where were you? What happened? Why do you think it was so significant?
• What do you miss about camp now that you have been home for a while?
• Tell me about a challenge you faced or something difficult you encountered?
• Is there anything you did at camp that you want to do more of here at home or at church?
• What were some of your favorite memories with your cabin mates? Did you develop any new friends or connections that you hope will continue?

One Month After Camp

After you’ve taken time to observe your camper, start asking the deepest kinds of questions: how & why.

Before the conversation, take a few minutes to reflect and explore how you would answer these questions on your camper’s behalf. Your goal is not to do the work for them, but to be prepared to share what you’ve seen and affirm their growth, if applicable.

• Camp was a little while ago, but do you think you are different because of the experience?
• Have you been able to connect with anyone from camp? Who do you miss most and why?
• Tell me about your experiences with God at camp? How were those experiences different than the ones you have here?
• Is there anything you want to do, or want us to do, to help you in your faith like they did at camp?
• If you go back to camp next year, what is something you hope to be able to do or learn that you didn’t do this year?