Today was the Camp Takajo Carnival. A clear indication that visiting day is around the corner. We welcomed sisters and cousins from all of the neighboring girls’ camps, and your boys had a wonderful opportunity to connect with their loved one. On so many levels, this day helps the boys prepare for visiting day. They anticipate seeing their sibling or cousin enjoy every minute of their company, are saddened by their departure and in minutes, reconnect with their buddies and become ensconced in our program.
I just got off the phone with a first time mom, who discussed how nervous she was to see her son this Saturday. Clearly the joy of seeing her son is beginning to overwhelm her, and how could it not? She misses her guy so badly. One of the most difficult things we have to recognize as parents is that, while our children will always need us, they develop a sense of independence and self-reliance and start to need us in a different way.
Historically, mothers rush to the cubbies to start folding clothing, and look for missing items, and while I can appreciate the need to “nest,” what is more important is to witness all that your son has accomplished in his four weeks at camp. You will be amazed at how many friends he has made, how many activities he has participated in, and how comfortable he is at his new summer home.
If you look to micromanage the day, you will be missing the bigger picture. I would venture to say, your son does more in a day at camp than he does anywhere else, and he’s doing it without you… no offense. While the heat may make the day drag at times, in the blink of an eye, it will be time to say goodbye. Just know that your son’s counselors will be there to give your son a hug or piggy-back ride, so that moments after you’re gone, he will once again become nestled in the Camp Takajo program. Have fun!
- Today, all of campers enjoyed the annual Takajo Carnival. The day started out with regularly scheduled events until lunch, and in the afternoon, the festivities began. First, the campers got some time to finish their costumes and then met up to march into the carnival together. There were moon bounces, obstacle courses, carnival games, and snow cones and cotton candy. We all got to enjoy a cookout for dinner and then relax for the rest of the evening. What a successful carnival!
