this summer he's 12 and this will be the first camp experience for him but i'm terrified = ( any suggestions?

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, May 6, 2007 - 06:41 pm:

He'll be fine! Both of my kids went to camp, for the first time, when they were 12.

By Mommmie on Sunday, May 6, 2007 - 06:48 pm:

My son went to residential camp for a week when he was 7, 8, 9 and 10 years old. He went with his grade this year (age 12). It is very hard to let them go!! No question. You think the worst. You wonder what they are doing. But part of being a parent is gradually letting them go, practice letting them move through the world without us.

The first year I laid in bed in the fetal position. I could barely breath. It's much better now. He's out of town right now in fact on a weekend long birthday party at this classmate's vacation home and I had anxiety dropping him off Friday. But then I woke up Saturday not worrying. It gets easier over time. I can't wait to hear the phone ring, though, to tell me they are back in town.

It's hard. I feel for you. When he gets home, you'll wish you had worried less and did more to enjoy the break.

By Nicki on Sunday, May 6, 2007 - 09:33 pm:

Brandy, I am completely ignorant on this subject, but I was wondering if he will be able to call you at certain times? Do they allow the kids to bring their cell phones? I know I will be a mess as well when the time comes, but knowing my dd could call might help me.(?)
Big hugs to you. Is your son excited about going? We're here for you.:-)

By Dawnk777 on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 07:36 am:

Emily is really looking forward to another week at horse camp. She has never called home! I have no qualms, because she's been there twice already and this year, she knows for sure, that someone she hung out with last year, is going the same week she is. 2 years ago, she went and she didn't know a soul! That scared me, because even up to about 3rd grade, Emily hated that I had to leave, on the first day of school. She was fine, though!

By Brandy on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 07:48 am:

Well thankfully nick is going to go with his cousin and he has a cell phone..although i'm not sure if they are allowed to take them or not? I need to talk to the director of the organization they are going with and find out specifics lol..i know he will be okay but i worry about everything = ( thanks Brandy

By Mommmie on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 01:33 pm:

None of the camps my son has been to allowed cell phones or anything electronic.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 02:10 pm:

From Emily's horse camp:

Please DO NOT bring cellular telephones, CD players, walkmans, curling irons, large pocket knives, electronic games, Dungeons & Dragons books or magic cards. If any of these itmes are brought to camp, they will be kept in the camp office until departure.

By Debbie on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 04:28 pm:

{{{Brandy}}} At least he will be with his cousin. I know that doesn't help much for you, but I'm sure it will make him feel better.

I dread this day myself, so I don't have any advice. But, I am sure he will have a great time, and it will be over before you know it.

By Nicki on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 09:39 pm:

How great that Nick will be with his cousin! Regardless, I have a feeling he will do great. In the photos you have shared with us, both your sons appear to be happy, self confident guys.:-) He's probably going to have such a fun time!

By Bobbie~moderatr on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 09:58 pm:

All four of my kids are going to church camp this year. The girls are only 10. We will be completely kid free for a week..

They have a no electronics policy.. Anything brought in is taken until they leave. They are aloud to write letters but they keep them so busy that there really isn't much down time to write. It goes very quick..

And I bet he has a great time..

By Brandy on Monday, May 7, 2007 - 10:46 pm:

Thanks everyone i'm feeling a little better about all this = )