CHAPTER 9
PARENTS’ FEELINGS ABOUT CAMP
CHILDSICK?
The personal testimonies above are true. A lot of parents get “childsick” when their son or daughter is at camp. Of course, all parents enjoy the “free” time they have while their kids are away, but
sometimes that freedom feels empty. Parents miss their kids just like kids miss their parents. It’s not always easy to spend a few weeks apart, especially if it’s the first time your child has been away from home.
If you’re like most parents, you have mixed feelings. You want your child to have a great time at ccamp, but you’re nervous about whether she’ll be OK on her own. Without a doubt, reading this book and carefully selecting a camp together will go a long way toward reducing any nervousness. The time you spend now is an investment in your child’s happiness. But let’s face it. It’s normal to be a little nervous when you’re not personally there to supervise your child. For those parents who have children with special needs, the separation may be even more difficult. No one knows your child better than you do. How could they? What camp staffs do know is how to keep kids safe and happy. They know how to run a camp.
In this chapter, we’ll give you tips to help you enjoy yourself while your son or daughter is at overnight camp. If you don’t have any concerns right now, skip this chapter. You can always return to it.
PARENTS’ FEELINGS ABOUT CAMP
I couldn’t help it at first. Last summer was the first time that Owen had ever spent more than a day away from home. I kept thinking to myself, “He’s 9 years old. He’ll be just fine at camp.” And then I’d think, “He’s only 9 years old! Will he be fine at camp?” I know some of my anxiety rubbed off on Owen, because he started reassuring me; telling me he’d be OK. We’d made the decision together, but camp was still hard at first. Of course, after a week, Owen loved it. He’s excited to go back this summer. -Owen’s mom, Teodora
For me, the best thing was to talk with other parents who had already sent their kids to camp. It was very reassuring to know that they worried about the same things I did. Now I enjoy talking to parents who are sending their kids to overnight camp for the first time. I tell them, “This is the best experience your kid will ever have away from home. She will come back a changed person. More unselfish and more energized.” -Michelle’s dad, Brendan
I worried because we didn’t get any letters for almost 10 days. I finally had to call camp and talk to Louise’s cabin leader. She promised me that Louise was having a great time, which explains why she didn’t have the impulse to write. I missed her a lot, but I also knew that camp was going to be good for her. I was surprised at how independent and confident she became. It’s great to see. - Louise’s mom, Gin
CHILDSICK?
The personal testimonies above are true. A lot of parents get “childsick” when their son or daughter is at camp. Of course, all parents enjoy the “free” time they have while their kids are away, but
If you’re like most parents, you have mixed feelings. You want your child to have a great time at ccamp, but you’re nervous about whether she’ll be OK on her own. Without a doubt, reading this book and carefully selecting a camp together will go a long way toward reducing any nervousness. The time you spend now is an investment in your child’s happiness. But let’s face it. It’s normal to be a little nervous when you’re not personally there to supervise your child. For those parents who have children with special needs, the separation may be even more difficult. No one knows your child better than you do. How could they? What camp staffs do know is how to keep kids safe and happy. They know how to run a camp.
In this chapter, we’ll give you tips to help you enjoy yourself while your son or daughter is at overnight camp. If you don’t have any concerns right now, skip this chapter. You can always return to it.
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