Why Parents Choose Camp Onomia: Del Ria’s Story

onomiaexec
Mar 9
4 min read

For many parents, the decision to send a child to summer camp comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Will my child be safe? Will they make friends? Will they feel comfortable being away from home?

Choosing a camp isn’t simply about finding a good program, it’s about finding the right fit for your child and your family. High-quality camp experiences are proven to strengthen independence, resilience, friendship skills, and self-confidence. In fact, national studies consistently show that the vast majority of campers grow in self-esteem and social comfort during their time at camp, and parents often notice a new sense of independence when their child returns home.

At Camp Onomia, that growth happens within a Christ-centered community where campers are known by name, guided by trained mentors, and invited to explore faith in meaningful and age-appropriate ways. Fun and adventure are certainly part of the experience, but the deeper goal is that every camper leaves feeling more confident, more compassionate, and more secure in who they are and whose they are.

To help prospective families imagine what that journey can look like, we spoke with Camp Onomia parent Del Ria, who shared their family’s experience sending a child to camp for the first time.

The Emotions of Sending a Child to Camp

Like many parents, Del Ria carried a mix of feelings into the decision.

“Apprehension, anxiety, faith, hope, and trust.”

Those emotions are common. Sending a child away—even for a few days—can feel like a big step for families. Yet often those feelings exist alongside hope that camp will give a child opportunities to grow in ways that everyday life doesn’t always allow.

Building Trust Before Camp Begins

For Del Ria, confidence in Camp Onomia developed through conversation, research, and relationships.

Before camp began, they toured the campgrounds and spoke directly with staff—including the nurse, camp leaders, and leadership team. Their church community also helped guide the decision.

“Our pastor vouched for this camp and recommended it. We had also met staff at the Synod Youth Gathering several times and picked up information and resources.”

Taking time to visit, ask questions, and meet the people who care for campers helped transform uncertainty into trust.

Families are encouraged to take that same approach. Asking questions, reviewing resources, and even scheduling a tour can help parents feel confident they are choosing the right environment for their child.

Growth That Shows Up in Unexpected Ways

When campers return home, parents often notice changes, sometimes subtle, sometimes profound. For Del Ria, her child came home with new friendships and a sense of accomplishment.

“They made new friends, had a good time, and went a bit out of their comfort zone but trusted the process.”

But one story stood out as especially meaningful.

“They helped a fellow camper with some anxiety and negative thoughts and encouraged them to feel comfortable and ask for help.”

Moments like this reveal something deeper about the camp experience. Campers aren’t just learning skills or participating in activities, they are practicing empathy, leadership, and care for others.

Independence in a Supportive Community

Another surprise for Del Ria was how well their child adjusted to being away from home.

“It was the first time away from home that long with no parent contact, and it went better than expected because they were made to feel comfortable and cared for and safe.”

The rhythm of camp plays a powerful role in that experience. Time outdoors, distance from screens, and living in community create space for young people to try new things, build confidence, and discover they are capable of more than they realized.

Camp provides a rare environment where children can grow in independence while still being surrounded by a caring network of mentors and peers.

Advice for Parents Who Feel Unsure

For families who are considering camp but feel uncertain, Del Ria offers simple and practical advice:

“Ask questions, investigate, and visit the location—with or without your children.”

They also appreciated knowing that strong systems were in place to care for campers’ health and safety.

“It’s good to know there are food exceptions acknowledged, allergies and medications accounted for with a nurse onsite, and that the leaders are cordial and respectful. Everyone is there on drop-off day to answer questions and confirm safety.”

That level of transparency and preparation can make all the difference for families making their first camp decision.

More Than Just a Week Away

For many families, a first week at camp becomes the beginning of an ongoing relationship with a place and a community.

Camp Onomia is designed to be more than a single summer experience. With retreats, family programs, and year-round opportunities to reconnect with faith, community, and the outdoors, it becomes a place families return to again and again.

And for many parents, it all begins with a leap of faith, trusting that camp might become a place where their child grows, belongs, and discovers something new about themselves.

Ready for the next steps?

Read a letter from the Executive Director to Perspective Parents

Look through the Camper &Parent Program Guide