Two weeks ago, I placed my son Jake on a bus headed to an overnight camp for two months. To be completely honest, the choice to send him was not entirely voluntary, neither for him nor for us as parents. Initially, Jake was excited about the adventure, but as the departure approached, he expressed doubts, leaving me to question whether this was the right decision. While he might be thriving, I’m finding the experience quite challenging. Here are my reasons:
- Scarcity of Photographs: Jake seems to evade the camp photographer with the same fervor he shows when avoiding chores. I peruse nearly 1500 daily photos, only to occasionally spot him in the background of a group shot.
- Impact of Few Photos: The limited images I do receive are scrutinized like scenes from a classic film. While others might see Jake sporting a fresh uniform each day, I worry that the absence of food stains suggests he isn’t eating properly, which raises questions about his well-being.
- The Letters I Receive: Despite being able to tackle complex math problems, Jake struggles with sending letters. I’ve had to send him a guide on how to address an envelope properly, as all his letters have been mishandled, lacking return addresses or proper postage. So far, I’ve received three letters: one requesting his tennis racket, another detailing the rain and inquiring if I’ve gotten his letters (signed simply “Jake”), and a third where he complained about a bunkmate’s behavior, signed “Sincerely, Jake Smith”.
- The Letters I Write: Crafting letters to my camper poses its own difficulties. You need to avoid sharing news from home to prevent homesickness, which leaves me composing endless questions about camp life based solely on the few photos I’ve seen online. “I noticed the camp Olympics were this weekend—what events did you participate in? Did you win anything? Have you had a chance to go canoeing? What are your counselors’ names?” I’m aware he may never respond, leading me to feel somewhat like an obsessive fan, sending letters filled with unanswered questions.
- The Dread of Visiting Day: Ah, Visiting Day—a day I both anticipate and dread. After weeks of adjustment, the last thing kids need is a visit from their parents, which only serves to stir up homesickness. I can just imagine a counselor trying to detach Jake from the car as we leave. If anyone has any ideas for a convenient excuse to avoid this emotional upheaval, please share.
- The Void Left by His Absence: I often found myself wishing for a break from Jake’s antics this spring, but I was unprepared for how eerily quiet the house feels without him. Every time I pass his room and notice the perfectly made bed and tidy floor, I’m reminded of just how much I miss his lively presence.
Ultimately, I recognize that sending him to camp was the right decision. The happiness radiating from the photos—Jake joyfully engaging in sports he’s never tried, bonding with new friends, and enthusiastically participating in camp activities—shows that he faced his fears and flourished. Perhaps I don’t detest overnight camp after all.
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In summary, while the experience of sending Jake to camp has been fraught with anxiety and longing, it ultimately supports his development and growth. The struggles I face as a parent are outweighed by the positive impact this experience has on him.