Today I interviewed Toni Hooten, Camp Director for Camp El Tesoro. She convinced me that it is time to send my seven-year-old to his first summer camp. They have a 3-day option which is great for first-time campers.

I also squeezed in a question about kids and homesickness and what parents can do to avoid it. Although it’s perfectly normal for most kids go through some form of homesickness, she suggested sending your kid to spend the night with relatives or friends before his first overnight camp experience. That way they can "practice" being away from mom and dad.

For me, care packages seemed to ease my sadness and I loved getting goodies from home. My mom was smart enough to know that candy was a great way to earn popularity points. She would send gummy bears, jaw breakers, tootsie rolls and bubble gum in addition to extra socks, bug spray and a new flash light. Not only did I share these goodies with the other campers, but I also saved a stash for the counselor. Let's just say I didn't win "Best Camper" in the Cherokee Cabin for of my archery skills.

Now, as a mom, I can't wait to send my little boy his first care package. I should ask him what he wants me to include... ten bucks says he'll say, "How about a video game Mom?"

1 Comments

Jennifer Lanter said:

Did the counselor provide any helpful hints for parents who are homesick for their little ones? I can't bare the thought of my daughter spending a week away from home.

Help- Missing her already

March 20, 2007 3:33 PM

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.