Well it's official. My oldest boy is now firmly tucked away in the woods, off on his first sleepaway camp adventure.
He has a mama-made laundry bag that he will probably not use. He's got his Papa's old Boy Scout canteen, complete with a new strap. He's got his cousins in the same cabin with him, a new pocket knife hanging from his belt loop and a week full of fun stretched out before him. And I know for sure that he has everything he could possibly need because I fretted over the packing list for not less than a month.
I'm sure he's having the time of his life. He's probably not bathing and has already spent all his pocket money on soda and candy bars. I'm sure he's giggling non stop at endless boy potty humor and grinning ear to ear over his bigness.
I'm thrilled for him really. I have such great camp memories and can't wait to hear all about the ones that he makes.
As for me though… this is not so fun. I'm seeing that it is a lot more fun to be the camp dropee than it is to be the camp dropper.
I'm busy with his brothers and life as usual… laundry, lists, hands to hold and feats to accomplish. But I keep wondering what he's doing. Is he too hot? Is he making friends? Is he happy, scared, lonely, excited? I keep fast forwarding and wondering how on earth I will manage it next year when his younger brother goes, or even worse, when it isn't just camp, but college and it will be months before I see him. It's been less than 24 hours and I miss him something awful, and of course I'm asking that question that seems like a VERY recurring theme in this whole business of child-rearing – "Why do they have to get so big so fast?"
I know. Silly. But it's who I am. It's what I do.
Thankfully I have two young men left who have LOTS of plans to keep me busy. They have deemed this week "Camp Goofball" at our house. They've got lists of things that we absolutely MUST do – rollerskating, doughnut making, lake day and more.
So I'm off to gather myself up by the flip flop straps,slather on some sunscreen and forge ahead.
Happy Monday folks!
{ 25 comments }
Congratulations. What a big feat for both of you!
Wow!! What a rite of passage…I’m so not ready for that one yet. We’re having our own “rainbow camp” at home this week : ) I’ll post updates on my blog.
We’re loving our new wooden friends, thank you again!!
WOW! Brave momma!! My 13 yr. old is heading off for camp for the week. It will be our first camp experience. I volunteered for two days at the camp cause I feel the need to be close. I’m such a wimp!!!
My heart ached when I read this. *sigh* I would feel the same way mama – hugs to you!
But at the same time I smile, thinking of the amazing memories I made at sleepover camp many moons ago… my best, oldest friend that I met there at age 8 is still in my life.
My son peeked over my shoulder at the photo you posted and said, “Wow those boys are having FUN!”
Why DO they need to get so big so fast? I’m getting sniffly on your behalf when I read this. I wish these things didn’t always come before Mama was ready. Sigh.
Oh, what a great time for both of you. My 15 year old hasn’t been to camp for a few years, but suddenly decided this year that she wanted to go back…
Congrats! big step for mom. I am an ex camp director, this year I am back at a new camp. not as director……what a relief. for me, I get to let my kids go to camp but be there too. we all get camp fun. and oh how fun it is.
My family heads out there tomorrow, and for the next 8 weeks, yippeeee! I’m sure we’ll have a lot to write home (blog) about. i’m eager to hear about your boys’ experience. what camp is it?
I can feel your pain. I had the very same thoughts this past weekend as all three were with their grandparents. I told my husband if this is what empty next feels like we better have some more b/c I’m not sure I want empty nest. However, they must grow up and continue on the cycle of life with our support and blessings. Hang in there mom, it appears you are doing a great job!
Oh, bless you. I’m not looking forward to this phase in my life. Glad it’s a few years away (like maybe 18?!)
Jamie
AW! This is such a bittersweet story. I completely “feel” your conflict. I have 1 boy and it’s excrutiating watching him get bigger and watching him grow up and away. The expression should be grow away because sometimes, not always, that’s what happens.
I’m lucky to have 2 wonderful step daughters, 1 at college and 1 going to college, so we have practice, but it really does seem like a blink and then they’re gone. Seems like we were going to concerts and having sleep overs with giggling girls all over the house and now, we barely hear from one girl.
Congratulations on another milestone, here’s hoping there will be lot’s of grand babies to hold!
Wow! That is a big deal! I never got to go to camp and I think I am pretty determined that I want to make sure my kids have those camp memories everyone talks about!
Wow, a week is a long time! My son went to sleep-away camp for 2 nights one year ago, and it was dreadful for me, mostly because he was reluctant about the whole thing, too. The hardest day for me was the second day, when I woke up and realized I wouldn’t see him at all that day. That was a horrible feeling.
Good for you for letting him go. Being a good mama can be really hard on the mama, you know?
I totally understand, just remember you raised a great smart boy!!!
Oh you poor thing
Luckily I still have a few years before I have to get to that stage..
What fun! We don’t have any camps around here, but I remember a couple of my own VERY fondly.
oh camp! i never really went myself but would love for my kids to go.
why does it seem everyone i read around the blogosphere this week is mourning their little ones growing up. oh, i suppose it’s a maternal duty.
i don’t think i would ever get my girls to go, but then i’d be spared the heartache wouldn’t i!
hang in there!
Ugh, it’s not fair this growing up stuff.
I’m sure he is missing you just as much and yes, he spent all his money on soda and candy bars.
Oh, I dread the day I let my babies go off without me!
And, yes, every day I look at the kids and wonder where the time is going!
Oh my gosh!! I just posted about the exact same thing… I am so excited that she’s away at camp, but also wondering every minute how she’s doing and if she’s having fun and behaving herself… Stuff… It’s such a weird feeling.
Ha! If you could see my red and blotchy face you would know that I’m nothing near brave
ok, just having done this, i want you to know that you will feel so much better when the first postcard or letter comes home. even if it just says, “i like camp” like kate’s did. and then prepare yourself for the laundry. it is unlike anything you have ever seen. seriously.
my nine year old daughter has the possibility to go to camp…i am really struggling about the thought of letting her go! you are definatley not the only one!
Oh, it comes so quickly doesn’t it? We don’t have sleepaway camp yet, but our own version of it. Sloane is going to spend a week in Oregon with her cousins. Without us. My stomach churns just thinking about it. I trust them, I love them, I’m so happy for her to have this chance. BUT. My little girl…..Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Ah sweet summer.
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