First sleep away camp, how bad is this going to be?

[binny]

I mean for me


This is the first time DS (11) has had a chance to go to a week long sleep away camp. We have always been on vacation when they have come around before. I KNOW he will be safe and I know he will have a blast. He is going with his best friend and this is a church camp so I know several of the counselors. But this is the first time Ive ever sent him away. Ive left him several times but he has always been at home or with a friend.

I guess Im a bit nervous.

Am I being a big baby about this? LOL Its ok if you say that I am, Im not weepy or anything, just another one of those "moments" KWIM?

 

[JadenLayne]

Yep I know exactly what you mean! My son has gone away for a few days with church before but this was the first year he went away for a week.

To make it worse it wasn't with church but was a scholarship to a conservation camp at a community college about 3 hours away. So we drop him off (hes 14 BTW) and hes in the tiny dorm room with his friend. NO ADULTS, NO TV, NO PHONE! I'm thinking okay they'll burn the college down!

I worried some but he had a blast. Even though I asked him to call me nightly he actually only called twice. He really felt like an adult.

 

[disneylizzy]

Mail the first letter tomorrow! You will think about him constantly, but this is good training for when he goes away to college.

Seriously, I think sleep away camp is such a growing experience for kids. Boosts their self esteem, gives them a real "I can do it" feeling.

Do something special for yourself this weekend.

 

[binny]

At least Im not alone

Its a few weeks away yet. He is just so excited now and hes working on what we he will pack so its fresh in my mind I suppose.

This is a big year for him. He starts middle school and gets to join in the teen program at church (the JV team) so he is really excited to get into all of it. I, on the other hand, am having a bit of apprehension

 

[tiggerlover]

Wow, Binny, a whole week....{{{{{HUGS}}}}} I have a hard time being away from DS (10) when he spends the night at a friends. I have thought about sending him to grandma's for a week, but I am just not ready for that seperation yet. I know I will have to some day, but.........

Sounds like he is very excited and looking forward to going. It will be tough, but I am sure it will be a growing experience for you both.

 

[funhouse8]

My DD16 leaves on Monday for 7 1/2 weeks at camp at Girl Scout CAmp. she started going when she was younger and loved it. She made great friends. Now this year they are all going to be counselors together. Boy am I going to miss her. Your Son will do better then you. Send him lots of mail, don't forget the water shoes for the shower and he will be home before you know it.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

He'll do fine. My girls first went to sleepaway camp (Y-Camp) when they were 8 and 11. I probably should have waited until my 8-year-old had turned 9, but she really wanted to go. The younger one was homesick and cried the first night, but after that she had a ball. They begged to go again the next year. It's so much fun for them. My girls said they liked it as much as the Disney Cruise!

ETA: If you can, send a care package and a note for each day. That will help you feel better, like you are sending a bit of yourself to keep with him each day.