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Why I’m Sending My Son Back to Sleepaway Camp
Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind: sending my son back to sleepaway camp. You know how these days everyone’s into free-range parenting, slow parenting, or recreating those carefree summers of the ’70s? It’s like there’s a whole movement around letting kids roam free. Sometimes, I find myself second-guessing my choices, wondering if maybe I’m a bit too involved in my son’s life.
Last year, I wrote a piece about my son’s first sleepaway camp experience for seven weeks. I thought it was a funny take on my own neurotic worries about him being away from home for so long. Some people found it relatable, while others were less than supportive. I was totally caught off guard by the judgmental comments from some parents: “You’re out of your mind!” “You can’t get this time back!” “How could you send your kid away for two months?” “That’s just wrong! Summer is for family time!” It felt like they thought I was just looking for a break. In reality, choosing overnight camp was a tough decision, and it came with its own set of anxieties.
With both my husband and I working, I love the idea of “family trips to the beach” but can realistically manage that only during my one week of vacation in the summer. I could’ve quit my job, homeschooled my kids, and given them endless summer fun, but I didn’t. So, let’s just ease up on the judgment, okay?
My son thrives on being active—like, he needs to be constantly engaged. A laid-back schedule just doesn’t work for him. Sure, I could’ve signed him up for a bunch of sports camps to fill the 13 weeks he’s off from school, but I didn’t. So again, let’s chill on the criticism.
He also needed to learn independence. It was essential for him to figure out how to interact with peers and make his own choices without me hovering and saying “slow down” or “watch out.” I could’ve fostered that independence in other ways, but I chose this path. So, please, ease up.
Living in a city means he doesn’t have much access to nature. He can’t just wander off into the woods or lie in a grassy field looking at stars. Sure, I could’ve taken him camping, but let’s just say I’m not a fan of creepy woods. So, let’s not judge.
And don’t get me started on technology. He went two whole months without a phone, iPad, or TV. I could’ve enforced a no-electronics policy at home, but I didn’t. So, again, ease up.
What it all boils down to is my son’s needs. They might not align with your child’s, and that’s totally okay! Each family is different, and the choices we make reflect what’s best for our kids. For my son, a structured, extended camp experience made perfect sense—and it truly paid off. He had a blast.
He spent his summer swimming in a lake and camping in teepees. By the end of it, he transformed from a shy kid into someone who was confidently participating in team sports, covered in mud and cheering with friends. He learned to approach new kids and even organized pickup games. He gained confidence and independence, all while exploring in a safe environment.
Let’s stop scrutinizing each other’s parenting styles and recognize that every child is unique. Our choice was sleepaway camp, and you know what? He’s heading back this year, and I couldn’t be more excited.
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Summary
In the end, sending my son to sleepaway camp was about addressing his specific needs for activity, independence, and a break from technology. While parenting philosophies differ, my decision was based on what works best for our family, and I’m proud of the growth he experienced during his time at camp.