Do your kids go to summer camp?

[Cafe Amber]

10 (Partly Selfish) Reasons Summer Camp Rocks

Posted by Jill Smokler on June 25, 2012 

I was never much of a summer camp kid. I went, every summer, from around the age of 8 or so, but I never really got into it. While I loved the idea of camp, I kind of just preferred being home where I could do what I wanted, on my own schedule. When I was old enough for overnight camp, I went, but never with a smile on my face. I was the one who sent home the weepy letters and made my parents visit me so much more often than they would have liked. I just didn’t get it.

For the first time this year, all three kids wanted to go to day camp. Off they went last week, armed with extra sunscreen and water. Turns out I have three camp kids on my hands, and as a grown up, I freaking LOVE summer camp. Why?

1. The kids come home starving. They don't even have the energy to complain about what I've made for dinner, they just shut up and eat.

2. They don't need daily baths. Well, if you count the pool as a bath like me, I mean.

3. They're away from computer/TV all day long, so I don't feel guilty about letting them watch a show (or three) at bedtime.

More from The Stir: 10 Fun Water Games to Beat the Heat (No Pool Necessary!)

4. I'm no longer a chauffeur. Their camp has bus service, which means I have the day off. It's beautiful.

5. They're making new friends. They have some great school friends, but a change of scenery is always nice. For me, I mean. I was getting pretty sick of those old punks.

6. They're getting to be better swimmers which means I am less neurotic with them at the pool.

7. They glow. Not in a worrisome way, just in a sun-kissed golden way which is far more attractive than pasty white.

8. They smile for pictures. It's impossible for me to snap decent pictures of my kids, but they're all grins for the staff photographer.

9. They're tired. I mean, dead tired. They go to bed early and sleep hard.

10. They're happy. And, you really can't beat that.

[mommyladnad]

I always wanted to go to camp when I was a kid, but my parents never sent me. My 6 year old is going to day camp this year and he is very excited. Two of his friends are going and that is what inspired him to beg me to let him go. I am lucky that we have a camp in town and it is close by and easy. He is excited to try Kayaking, go swimming, do arts and crafts, and archery... I hope he loves it and I am so excited for him to have this experience. 

[hunterskysmom]

I have never been to camp and right now my daughter is to young

[lalasmama2007]

No

[Meltopia529]

 I went to camp once. It was a day camp though. If my son wants to go to camp I'd let him.

[LilyBeansMom]

I went to overnight camp from middle school on up and loved it. My daughter is only 7 and dh has mentioned how much he thinks she would like day camp. We are admittedly overprotective parents. I am struggling with this! I don't know other kids who are going or even that have been so I can learn about the camp. How do you decide??

[mysticalmalissa]

He will if he wants when he is older.

[MamisAngels]

Not for the past two summers, although I wanted to this summer but decided to spare the expense. But when they did go to summer camp, they really enjoyed it and I liked hearing about all the fun things they did and I even went along on some of their trips and activities.

[terri76]

I went to daycamp when i was younger some summers. My son went fir several summers and he loved it. Hanging with his friends and feild trips..but he does not go now. He will be 16 and has chosen not to go for the last several years

[sweetlyblissful]

I would prefer my kids to spend the time with me. We were going to send them. But decided to go camping and travel around this summer. When they get older, I might send them. They are so very expensive around here though.

[SabrinaLC]

I've never really thought too much about sending my kids.