The Unexpected Benefits of Enrolling Your Children in Sleepaway Camp

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As I hurried down the escalator, taking the steps two at a time, my excitement grew. My daughter’s plane was set to land any moment, marking her first summer at sleepaway camp. For the past two weeks, I had anxiously awaited news about her experiences, eagerly checking the mailbox for updates on her bunkmates, meals, and adventures. Instead, I mostly received the usual bills and flyers, with only a few brief notes from her: “I like my counselors. We went swimming. I have hot chocolate for breakfast every day.”

The brevity of her letters left me wondering: was she too busy enjoying herself to write more, or was she not having a good time and simply avoiding the topic?

When I finally spotted her, I waved enthusiastically and rushed to embrace her. “I missed you! How was camp?” I asked, slightly taken aback by her less enthusiastic hug. “I want to go for the whole month next year,” she replied, showing little sign of missing home.

Taking a moment to truly observe her, I noticed her hair was streaked with highlights, her cheeks had a healthy glow, and she seemed taller. The 9-and-a-half-year-old before me was calm, confident, and radiating happiness—a stark contrast to the somewhat clingy child I had sent off just two weeks prior. It dawned on me that she had just experienced a significant journey on her own, one that was entirely separate from my influence. As I learned more about her camp experiences, I came to appreciate the profound value of this opportunity.

Sending children to sleepaway camp is a significant commitment, both emotionally and logistically. Parents often grapple with the fear of separation, the challenge of selecting the right camp, and the financial implications, which can rival a luxurious family vacation. However, the benefits of allowing children to have their own unique experiences cannot be overstated.

For my daughter, who is one of three siblings, camp provided a rare opportunity to be purely herself—no longer defined by being someone’s sister. She had to navigate a new social environment, learn to connect with girls she had never met, and resolve conflicts independently, all of which fostered her social skills. With counselors available for support, campers were encouraged to work through disagreements, a refreshing change from the usual adult intervention at home. The skills my daughters returned with—enhanced confidence, improved social navigation, and a willingness to embrace new challenges—are invaluable and essential for their development.

Moreover, sleepaway camp offers significant benefits for parents as well. The period of separation can provide a much-needed break from the chaos of everyday life. Once my older daughters left for camp, the house felt quieter and less frantic, allowing me to spend quality time with my youngest. I found myself reading, writing, and enjoying leisurely walks, all while fostering a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation that I often lacked during the school year.

This quieter time also positively impacts my marriage. With fewer children at home, my husband and I rediscover the joy of uninterrupted conversation and the simple pleasure of enjoying each other’s company. We can put our youngest to bed early and enjoy an evening together without the usual rush.

As we prepare for this year’s camp, excitement fills the air. My daughters are eager to explore, make midnight kitchen raids, and embrace their carefree spirits while I look forward to relishing my time alone, reconnecting with my husband, and enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that seems to work well for all of us.

In conclusion, sleepaway camp provides children with invaluable life experiences that foster independence, social skills, and personal growth. It also offers parents a welcome respite, allowing for personal reflection and rejuvenation.

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