I returned to summer camp this year. YES- you can go back!
I'm working at a day camp basically because camp, any kind, is in my blood.
My youngest is away at overnight camp (the camp which was once my happy place is now his- couldnt be more excited) and my oldest just isnt the overnight camp type. Ive learned this is okay and I have found that there IS a place for tweens at day camp.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need to outgrow day camp come the age of 9. Many kids do not want to sleepaway and this is okay parents. Do not push them because this really needs to be their decision.
Day camp however, is just as beneficial.
My oldest, shy and reserved and takes a good long while to warm up to people just performed yesterday in front of 100 + people in a lip sync contest- dancing and all. The dance wasnt the best but I beamed throughout the entire performance. Why? Because he was out of his comfort zone, trying something new, and was accepted. He was cheered for and high fived as he finished- trying to earn points for his team in the camp version of color war.
Camp is about being part of a community. Part of a family that doesnt care if you are the best soccer player or making honor roll. It's okay if you look a bit different or act a bit different because this is summer camp. The place of safety. There is a spot for everyone. The pressure of school is off and the weight is off the shoulder.
I joined a new family this summer as well. One where, many have known each other for decades. Even as an adult I was still welcomed with smiles and warmth; finding my place in a community. I tie dyed a shirt for the first time in 20 years and I helped two girls start the box stitch on their gimp. I walk around camp seeing kids playing gaga ball and making pottery- camp has something for everyone.
So I learned this year that you absolutely CAN go back to summer camp and as an adult, is still as beneficial!
I'm working at a day camp basically because camp, any kind, is in my blood.
My youngest is away at overnight camp (the camp which was once my happy place is now his- couldnt be more excited) and my oldest just isnt the overnight camp type. Ive learned this is okay and I have found that there IS a place for tweens at day camp.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need to outgrow day camp come the age of 9. Many kids do not want to sleepaway and this is okay parents. Do not push them because this really needs to be their decision.
Day camp however, is just as beneficial.
My oldest, shy and reserved and takes a good long while to warm up to people just performed yesterday in front of 100 + people in a lip sync contest- dancing and all. The dance wasnt the best but I beamed throughout the entire performance. Why? Because he was out of his comfort zone, trying something new, and was accepted. He was cheered for and high fived as he finished- trying to earn points for his team in the camp version of color war.
Camp is about being part of a community. Part of a family that doesnt care if you are the best soccer player or making honor roll. It's okay if you look a bit different or act a bit different because this is summer camp. The place of safety. There is a spot for everyone. The pressure of school is off and the weight is off the shoulder.
I joined a new family this summer as well. One where, many have known each other for decades. Even as an adult I was still welcomed with smiles and warmth; finding my place in a community. I tie dyed a shirt for the first time in 20 years and I helped two girls start the box stitch on their gimp. I walk around camp seeing kids playing gaga ball and making pottery- camp has something for everyone.
So I learned this year that you absolutely CAN go back to summer camp and as an adult, is still as beneficial!
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