There was a slight mist in the air throughout the day, but nothing could dampen the spirits of our boys as they arrived in camp this afternoon. Each bus was greeted by Takajo counselors who cheered and welcomed their campers with open arms.
Departure day can be emotional. The anticipation of saying goodbye met with the reality of seeing your son walk away with our escorts can definitely leave a pit in one’s stomach. This year went rather smoothly, but I’m reminded of an experience not too many years ago during the Westchester Bus departure. A little boy took his parents’ car keys and locked himself in their car. The boy’s parents pleaded with their son to open the car door. But it was to no avail. Feeling hopeless, his dad called me at camp and asked if there was anything I could do. I suggested they go to the car and encourage their son to open the car window just enough to pass the cell phone into the vehicle. I asked the parents to move away from the car, allowing me to speak freely with their son about his concerns with boarding the bus. Amazingly, the little boy unlocked the car door, handed his father the phone, and boarded the bus for camp. This story highlights what many of us as parents experience with our children. When our kids are in an emotional state, they look to us to fix their problems. However, their upset often makes them less receptive to our advice. However, most children are pleasers and they are receptive to guidance from a teacher, coach, or counselor.
The beauty of a summer camp experience is that we will have the opportunity to share your goals, values, and messaging and help your children break outside of their comfort zones and experience the exhilaration of accomplishing new things.
The camp was full shortly after dinner when our Florida boys arrived and each child assembled with their group, group leader, and counselors to hear all that was in store for the summer. As I walked around bunks just before bedtime to say good night to the boys, it was apparent that the ultimate sleepover party had just begun.
