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The old saying goes, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone”.

The same holds true for cherubs who feel homesick during their five-week stay. For some students, the program is the first extended stay away from home and from their family.

Michael Payant, of Washington has never been apart from his parents and little sister for more than a week.

“This has been the longest I’ve ever been away,” he said.

Shannon Lane, of New Jersey also had difficulty adjusting.

“I was really nervous about being away from home and being on my own,” Lane said.

Follow the experiences of fellow cherubs and their moments of homesickness, how they dealt with it and their advice for next year’s cherubs.