We've just made the decision to send Leah to sleep-away camp this summer. She'll be thirteen when she goes, and her bags are packed and ready to go right now. I don't think it's possible for her to be more excited. My husband started to go to camp at about this age, he went for years, he was even a camp counselor during his summer breaks in college. In fact, I remember driving up to his camp on parent's visiting day, the one day I got to see him for a whole summer.
I was split between two camps (see what I did there?) about this decision. My head said let her go, it's right up her alley, it's a performing arts camp, with plenty of activity choices for her. She loves to make new friends, she loves to perform, and it's only for three weeks. My heart said mah baybeee! As you can see, my cooler head prevailed on that one.
Now we wait and mark the time until July. Leah watches the DVD the camp sent 17 times a day, and I start labeling her underwear. That's about the only thing I know about sleep-away camp -- label your stuff. I think I might let her father handle the packing for this one. Or maybe not. I'm picturing her on her first day, opening a duffle bag filled with eleven white t-shirts, one pair of underwear (with no name!) and one lonely sock.
I loved camp when i was a kid. My son has gone to Lion's camp since he was 6; a one to two week stay each summer. Some kids thrive on it. Hope yours does!
Posted by: Daisy | January 19, 2009 at 05:56 PM
She's going to have a great time--and I bet you'll stop worrying at least a week before she gets home!
Posted by: Laura Benedict | January 19, 2009 at 11:23 PM
I have become increasing concerned/amused on the amount of stuff that Rosie takes to camp with her. And it's not all junk clothes. It's a far cry from what I was permitted to take to overnight camp, many eons ago. But she's going to have a great time, not want to leave and will sign up for the following year before she's even left camp!
This first year you'll be able to get away with sending only what is on the packing list, but then after that....
Good luck
Posted by: ora | January 20, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Camp is the BEST!!! I sent my daughter when she was 7
Posted by: Mariah | January 20, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Camp is wonderful - for parents. If you have more than one child do your best to send them all to camp at the same time. Life does not get better.
And if you never went to camp yourself, it's wonderful for the campers, too.
Jenny
Posted by: Jennifer Krieger | January 20, 2009 at 02:36 PM
my kids go to the camp my husband and i went to. my mom even went there. the legacy is not lost on them. they live for the summer. at 16 and 19 their strongest friendships and deeps commitments are born out of that wonderful place they call their second home.
and the socks, tell her to throw them away at the end of the summer. there is not enough bleach on earth to get those clean!
Posted by: amyz5 | January 20, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I wasn't a camper as a child (no money for that), but I did work in summer camps during my teens and early twenties. I have fond memories of it -- though, frankly, I think camp is more fun for the kids than the staff!
Posted by: Ilona | January 23, 2009 at 06:49 AM