Preferring family travels over children's camps: Parent's perspective (with four kids)
As my mom suggested sending me off to summer camp, I wasn't exactly thrilled since I'd never been away from my parents for more than a night.
Initially hesitant, I eventually embraced the experience as soon as I arrived.
Fast forward to me being a mother of four, I sometimes find myself feeling pangs of guilt about not providing them with the same summer holiday experience I had.
Gone are the lazy days of lounging at home, catching up on movies, and playground escapades with friends. Instead, summer vacations for my kids are jam-packed with action and adventure. From whizzing around Rome on a Vespa to catching Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Warsaw, their summers are an eclectic mix I wouldn't have imagined as a child.
My Initial Summer Camp Fears
With the usual shyness lurking in my heart, I had fears about making friends, adjusting to a room full of strangers, and palatable camp food. I secretly hoped for a cool counselor who'd be more like a big sister, someone to hang out with and not just another authority figure. I also worried about missing my family and falling victim to homesickness.
Rediscovering the Joy of Summer Camp
But once I got past those initial jitters, summer camp was a different story entirely. I swam, played volleyball, and landed a leading role in the camp's closing show. We roamed through mountains and woods, played games like capture the flag, and marveled at the towering trees and melodious birds – a stark contrast to the concrete jungle I was used to.
Nights under the starlit sky were truly magical. With the campfire crackling, we sang songs, told ghost stories, made s'mores, and grilled hot dogs. Those nights under the stars ignited a passion for the cosmos that remains till this day. Back in our cramped cabin, my roommates and I never missed the quiet chats and laughter that kept us occupied long past bedtime.
After my first summer at camp, I couldn't wait to return for the entire eight weeks the camp was open. As the school year drew to a close, I counted down the days until I'd be back among the mountains and my camp family. Year after year, until I aged out, I spent my entire summer at camp and loved every moment of it, except one during the pandemic.
Skills Learned and Lasting Impressions
Little did I know that those summers at camp would equip me with skills I'd carry for life. Living in close quarters with a dozen girls was a good practice run for university dorm living. For the first time, I had to manage my own clothes and navigate social dynamics with a variety of personalities – whether I liked it or not. I discovered the joy of unstructured time and the wonders of nature.
These experiences not only enriched my past but also played a significant role in my transition to adulthood.
A Moment of Self-Realization
As a parent myself, it wasn't until much later that I realized my parents might have sent me to camp to catch a break. With newfound wisdom, I now understand that sending me away for an entire summer might have been their way of dealing with the exhaustion that comes from juggling parenting, work, and household chores, without respite.
At first, I felt a little hurt, but then I appreciated the ingenious solution they'd found to ensure we all had a fantastic summer.
Summer Camp Benefits Beyond Childhood
It seems that the advantages of summer camps extend beyond childhood, with adult summer camps becoming increasingly popular. These offer adults a chance to reconnect with nature and community, while engaging in activities that promote wellness and creativity[1].
- With my own children having experiences far beyond my childhood summers, I often ponder how a family-dynamics shift might occur if I could offer them a similar taste of the lifestyle provided by summer camp, including the relationship-building opportunities and travel it presents.
- Reflecting on my own journey, I realize that summer camp not only taught me valuable life skills but also facilitated personal growth – from navigating relationships with strangers to embracing the outdoors – aspects that have significantly influenced my relationships and travel experiences as an adult.
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