You've received great advice in the post above. I'll just add a few thoughts.
In general, keeping the kiddos scheduled and busy can be a great antidote for being homesick. That said, it is wonderful that the camp is flexible in granting kids' requests for unscheduled alone time.
In your son's requested unscheduled alone time, does he tend to journal? Writing can open a door to reflecting on the day and help a person weigh the positives and negatives, sort through things, and gain clarity.
Have you ever had a vacation which kept you so busy that you felt a need to rest up after returning home? Camp can be that way as well. Looking back over the years, in memory, the vacation or camp may be regarded as a positive wonderful time, but if asked about each day as it was occurring one might mention sore feet, sunburn, mosquito bites, a food they did not care for, one loud person, etc., any occurrences when they wished they had a bit of extra support, understanding, or TLC.
In speaking with him, you may wish to ask what were the three best things in his day and any stand-out worst things in his day. He may even rate them on a scale of 1-5 or 1-10, etc. These types of conversations may help both of you gauge the range of his experiences.
Does he miss his friends at home? A supply of stamps and picture postcards to write may provide a sense of connection and an opportunity to begin making plans to get together after camp.
Parents can miss their kids and their family routine, and kids may pick up on this causing them to feel they should be at home. Planning a special activity to look forward to "after camp" may help alleviate ambivalence about camp.
Finding the positives in a variety of situations is an acquired life-skill. Knowing if something is terribly amiss and potentially unsafe is also an important life skill.
Sending good wishes to you and your son, that whatever you decide will help build happy memories of this summer.
