When I first began writing for “Mothering in the Middle,” I compared the number and types of camps available for our kids today, versus what we had when we were children. This summer, I added a piece about all the school and camp forms needed to get through the year. But, here I am again: looking for a summer camp, for next year.
Just when I thought I conquered this task, my wife decided that it was time for my eldest, my son, to go to (far) away camp. His sister also decided that he wasn’t going to camp unless she was going to camp. (The truth is that since her camp experience has been limited to a handful of overnights and two nights at a school camp, I’m not convinced she’s ready for three or four weeks of this.)
So, here’s the upshot: unless you’re frantically researching for camp now, you may be left in the bitter cold of a long, hot summer with your children bleating about how lonely they are and that there’s nothing to do. The Summer Doldrums turn into daily shuttle runs to every single camp you can imagine for one week at a time after another. So, it’s worth it, searching for a summer camp in the middle of winter.
To research the possibilities, we’ve asked: our friends, associates, people we’ve met on the street, talked to the “Camp Lady,” and her daughter, talked to camp directors, their references, dialed 311, 411, 911 and consulted a Ouija Board to figure out where to send the kiddies. We’ve searched the internet and the Seven Seas and have finally whittled the number of possibilities to 30 or 40 camps.
My wife’s criteria is interesting – she wants to send the kids to camp in New York where she grew up. She doesn’t necessarily want “progressive,” but she knows she doesn’t want a catty, cliquey, expensive, long, not too far away from her folks in Connecticut, but far away from us as long as they can take a bus, or that there are people from the DC Metro Area who go there camp. This camp should have a lake, or waterfront, but it doesn’t have to be a really fantastic location. It should be fun and have lots of sports, but also nurturing and caring for new campers. The food should be good enough so that both the children eat it, but not so good that they overdo the chocolates and sweets. It should be safe, but challenging.
My criteria is a little easier: Just make sure they come back safely with all limbs intact.
But, actually, there is a greater problem in my mind: I’m freaking jealous that they get to go to camp and I don’t. On the other hand, it will be nice and quiet here at home. No battles with my son for control of the remote or not to watch Minecraft or AirMech. I won’t have to wash my daughter’s clothes collection, reminiscent of Imelda Marcos and Eva Peron.
So, since we’re planning for next summer, have a good time kids. Write occasionally.
Love,
Your Dad