Summer overnight camp for a first-time camper is a huge decision for parents and their children. Many families experience worry about when and if they should send their child(ren) to overnight camp. Does this sound familiar? It is akin to my father’s advice of how life is full of happy-sad moments. Basically, as parents, we feel “happiness” and “joy” about our children getting to experience new things and develop more independence and “sad” about letting go a little bit more at a time. Last year, our 10-year-old daughter went with a close friend and they had a great time. For their first time, it can be a good stepping stone for children to have a friend there. She had an awesome time minus a few issues with diet and elimination efforts. When Fruit Loops are ubiquitous, it can be hard, no pun intended. I am sorry. Is that TMI? 🙂
When she came back, we coached her on how to advocate for herself and ask for her counselors' help the next time. I wish we could have helped her in the moment, but that is the growing up and letting go that parents need to do and accept. Another way to ease children and parents into an overnight camp experience is to sign kids up for a 1-3 night overnight camp program. It is a great way to introduce kiddos to being away from parents, let them branch out, and become a little more independent and for parents to get more comfortable being away from their children. Some parents welcome this opportunity and others may find it a bit harder. It is all okay.
This year, our daughter decided to go by herself to the same overnight camp and were excited for this new opportunity where she would have to learn how to make friends (without a friend already there). Since she works hard in her 25 hours/week in her competitive gymnastics program and is still healing an injured ankle, we were happy to give her a little break in her intense schedule. My husband, six-year-old son, and I dropped her off a week ago Sunday and before then, she had demonstrated a whole new level of responsibility. She packed a week ahead of time and was so organized with getting all of her items packed. Even I don’t pack that early. Ugh. I would rather watch paint dry. 😉 My husband and I are huge fans of instilling personal responsibility in our kids. See "That is Above My Paygrade...". The maturity that this young lady has undergone in one year is astounding. She has developed stronger time management skills, greater personal responsibility, and better emotional regulation, patience, and teamwork. It is not lost on us how much of her growth is due to her needing to balance school with a rigorous gymnastics schedule and the strong work ethic that her coaches instill in her.
This past Saturday, we were a bit nervous to pick her up and, when we did, we breathed a collective sigh. Fairly quickly, she was chatty and told us about her counselors, the other campers, the activities that they did and the numerous songs that they sang. On the way home, we played a sing-a-long game that never got old for any of the 4 of us. She even taught me a dance that goes with Lady Gaga’s,“Bad Romance”. I had a feeling that she would seem different when we picked her up. She is more mature, more responsible, and a lot more light-hearted. Our hearts were so full when she said that she can’t wait to go back next year. Also, hopefully our 6-year-old son will join her. Woo hoo! We need to start planning our (nearby camp) get-away while the kids are at camp. Now that is another thing to celebrate. Am I right? I get so excited just thinking about that.
Please tell me. Do you send your children to overnight camp? How did you feel about sending him/her? Please share your feelings and/or what helped make that transition smooth. Thanks for reading. I hope to see you back here next time.
With gratitude,
Kerry
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