Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: June 17, 2012
Just two weeks ago, I sent my son, Alex, off on a bus to overnight camp for two months. To be honest, the choice to send him wasn’t entirely voluntary for either of us. Although Alex initially expressed excitement, as the departure date approached, he had second thoughts, leading me to secretly question whether it was the right decision. While he appears to be thriving, I find myself grappling with my own dislike for overnight camp. Here’s why:
1. The Photo Drought
Alex has an uncanny ability to dodge the camp photographer, just like he avoids chores. Each day, I sift through nearly 1500 photos, and I’m lucky to catch a glimpse of him in a distant crowd shot.
2. The Impact of Few Photos
The scarcity of images drives me to scrutinize the rare ones I do find. While most would notice he’s in a clean uniform, I can’t help but worry he’s not eating enough, resulting in a lack of food stains on his shirt. This makes me wonder if he’s even changed clothes in days.
3. Camp Letters
My smart kid can tackle intricate math problems but struggles with the basics of letter writing. I’ve had to send him diagrams on how to address an envelope properly. Our family has received letters that were amusingly addressed incorrectly, with both the recipient’s name and stamp on the back. So far, I’ve gotten three letters: one requesting his tennis racket, another telling me it’s been raining and asking if I’ve received his letters (both signed simply “Alex”), and a third where he complained about a bunkmate being mean, signed “Sincerely, Alex Thompson.”
4. My Letters to Him
Writing to my camper is a challenge; I have to avoid sharing updates from home to keep homesickness at bay. My letters are filled with questions about camp life, based solely on what I’ve seen in photos. “I noticed the camp Olympics happened—what team were you on? Did you win? Who are your counselors?” All the while, I know he may never respond to these questions, and he might even toss my letters aside if I forgot to include a few baseball cards.
5. The Dread of Visiting Day
Oh, how I dread Visiting Day! I desperately miss my son and want to see him, but why must parents visit just as kids are finally settling in? It feels cruel to interrupt their adjustment. I can just picture a counselor trying to pry Alex from our car as we drive away. If you know any kids with chicken pox, send them my way; I’m looking for a harmless excuse to avoid this situation.
6. His Absence Leaves a Big Void
In moments of frustration this spring, I thought, “Just one more month until I get a break from these battles!” Yet, I was unprepared for the silence at home without him. Every time I see his empty room—clean floor, perfectly made bed—I’m reminded of how much I miss his noisy, lovable presence.
Despite my struggles, I recognize that sending Alex to camp was ultimately the best decision for him. The photos reveal a happy child, confidently engaging in new activities and forming friendships. He faced his fear of being away from home and not only survived but thrived.
Maybe, just maybe, I don’t hate overnight camp after all.
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Summary:
In this article, I share my struggles with sending my son to overnight camp, focusing on my concerns over communication, the emotional toll of his absence, and the unexpected challenges of parenting from a distance. However, I also acknowledge the positive growth I see in him and ultimately realize that camp is a beneficial experience for him.