This summer has been quite busy for us. The kids have been enjoying the outdoors and being creative in their various summer camps. This year we did something new – the first sleepaway camp.
At first, we were not going to go to Boy Scout sleepaway camp this year. Andy & I are still trying to wrap our heads around all things Boy Scouts and this is their first year. Last year the kids were in Cub Scouts, but that was their only year in Cubs scouts, so we are still getting used to things.
There was repeated talk about summer camp at Boy Scout meetings and in the newsletter. I had already signed T&V up for another camp months earlier because the good camps seem always to seem to be full before school is out for the summer. They seemed interested, so I decided why not?
A few things helped with my decision if I am transparent. They offered to pay for half for Victoria. This scout summer camp would be the first year with girls, and they were pushing for girls to go to summer camp. The campsite was close. It was only 1hr and some change away from home. Oh, I forgot to mention – this was a sleepaway camp. T&V first one in fact without us.
We have camping on many occasions so that was nothing new to them. It was that they could go without us. At first, I was going to go camping too and volunteer. I didn’t started my nursing job yet, so I thought it would give me some comfort to go along.
As the days drew closer to camp, I decided that I would not go with them. This was a hard decision for me, but I made the decision. The kids were okay with the decision too. I had peace of mind that for the following reasons –
1. The campsite was close
2. T&V had it each other
3. The troop leaders and adults involved
4. There was a Parent’s Night half through the week
In my head, I always knew they would go to a sleep-away camp one day. However, I had a vision of which one and how things were going to be, and I am very much a mama bear and protective of my kids. This camp was challenging that mama bear in me, but also for those four reasons above, and I knew this would be an excellent experience for them. This summer would allow them to grow in many positive ways. I definitely saw & heard that on parent’s night.
The Drop Off
For a week, my kids camped in tents in 80-90 degree weather. They packed their own belongs for this trip with some advice given to me from the troop leaders. Every day they had activities for leisure and to earn toward their badges. They got to know more about their troop and engage in scout skits. Parent’s night I heard of some struggles, but glad they overcame it without me being there.
Parent’s Night
T&V have already mentioned wanting to go back next year. So, in addition to our STEM camp, this will be going on a summer camp list next year as well.
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