EOT New Counselor Practice Test

When supporting someone feeling homesick, guiding the conversation toward the present moment helps them adjust more quickly. Avoid mentioning home and parents too much because repeatedly referencing home can intensify longing and keep the camper focused on what they miss rather than what they can experience now. Instead, acknowledge that homesickness is real, then shift toward present experiences, routines, and small, doable coping steps. Reflective listening helps: validate the feeling and then steer toward what’s happening today, who they’ve met, and activities they can engage in. Highlighting positive camp experiences and planning concrete next steps reduces rumination and fosters belonging. Talking only about home reinforces longing. Blaming the camper for feeling homesick shuts down open sharing and doesn’t build coping skills. Avoiding acknowledgment leaves the camper unsupported.