Parenting
By Alex Thompson
Updated: May 6, 2021
Originally Published: Sep. 5, 2015
What do we do when faced with the prospect of giving up our own comfort for the happiness of our children? This question often serves as a true test of our parenting abilities. For me, this challenge emerged last month when my son expressed his desire to attend a weekend sleepaway camp.
What should have been a straightforward task of completing some forms and shopping for camping gear turned into a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty. “We’re short a counselor. Could you step in?” inquired the event coordinator. My immediate reaction was to hang up.
“Wait, you want me to be a camp counselor? You expect me to sleep outside? I’m not exactly a survival expert!” I was taken aback.
Allow me to clarify. I am not an outdoor enthusiast. I have no inclination towards camping or dealing with insects that resemble small animals. Give me a hotel with air conditioning and room service any day over tents and sleeping bags. The thought of searching for dinner or getting lost in the wilderness without a signal was daunting.
“I’m not sure I’m the right fit for this,” I said reluctantly. “I might be allergic to everything in the woods. I don’t even know how to start a campfire or sing a campfire song. Just thinking about it makes me feel anxious.”
But it was futile to argue; my son was already excited about the camp, and his joy depended on my willingness to take this leap of faith. This was not going to be just another camping trip. I wasn’t merely going into the wild; I was responsible for a cabin of boys! My focus shifted from my own comfort to ensuring these boys didn’t become a bear’s dinner.
For the sake of my son, I was ready to put my own fears aside for his happiness, his smiles, and those cherished hugs. Thus began my mental preparation for this unprecedented venture. How could I manage a group of boys while being so out of my element? I reached out to a friend for guidance.
“Dude, you need to take charge. Be assertive. Establish your authority,” he advised.
I felt lost. “Take charge? I don’t even know what that means! I’m not the ‘boss’ here. There’s probably a head counselor or something.”
Realizing that sarcasm wouldn’t help, I dedicated the days leading up to the trip to preparing as best as I could. I watched videos on bear safety (don’t run!) and researched tick prevention (stay out of the woods!). I packed early and stocked up on hand sanitizer, readying myself for what I anticipated would be the worst weekend of my life. Yet, I was determined to make it through for my son’s sake.
As it turned out, my preparations bore fruit. Surprisingly, it only took a day of camping for my stress levels to normalize. What I didn’t expect was to actually enjoy myself. More importantly, my son was thriving in nature, creating lasting memories with his new friends.
Of course, there were challenges. The boys were dirty, and they certainly didn’t favor hygiene—bribing them to take a shower was a task in itself. (To be fair, the camp did have running water, which made things easier.) I’m still not sure whose idea it was to serve chili beans, but our cabin soon turned into a zone of unpleasant odors that even wildlife seemed to avoid.
Sadly, the trip came to an end too soon. My son’s radiant smile was a constant reminder of why I made this sacrifice. On the final day, as I packed my dusty belongings, he grabbed my hand and said, “Dad, that was the best trip ever. I love you.” In that moment, I was reminded of the lengths we go for our children.
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Summary
In parenting, we often find ourselves making significant sacrifices for our children’s happiness, even when it involves stepping far outside our comfort zones. A recent experience at sleepaway camp taught me the value of these sacrifices, not only in terms of personal growth but also in creating cherished memories with my child.