My 7 year-old daughter has been going to a summer day camp and having a blast! The camp hosts three overnight camp-outs during the summer. My daughter has been dying to go on one! We had concerns, however. She's never slept-over at anyone's house and camping outside seemed like such a huge leap. We weren't sure she was ready.
We initially said no, but she was very persuasive in arguing her case in a logical, mature manner. We really had a hard time defending our decision based on her age when she handled herself so well. So, we grilled the camp officials on issues such as supervision, nurse coverage (if there's an accident), ages of kids who typically go, etc. The camp addressed all of our concerns. So, last Friday, my daughter had her first overnight camping trip away from home.
I was a nervous wreck! However, my husband and I managed to go out on a date night. We went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Wow! It's great seeing a movie on a big theater screen instead of renting it at home! We both had our cell phones ready, just in case! But the camp never called us to pick our daughter up.
She had a great time! She did have a little problem with another camper, however. When she was setting up camp, another girl started to move her stuff away and said that she didn't like my daughter (editing note: bitch). My daughter told me she got up and moved to another area because she didn't want to be near the mean girl. In doing so, she came across another girl who invited my daughter to share her tent with her. They ended up having a great time together and became friends!
I'm floored that my daughter handled herself so well! I don't think I would have handled myself as well under those circumstances! Yay!
There's one more overnight camp-out coming up. We're allowing our daughter to go on it. Her initial response was that she didn't want to. We were surprised, since she had so much fun! She told us that she had a great time, but didn't want us to feel lonely without her. We asked if she didn't want to go because she was the one missing us. She gave us a confused look and said that wasn't the case at all! We told her that we did fine and even went out and enjoyed a date night. Once she was sure we were fine without her, she readily agreed to another camping trip!
Do I have the sweetest kid or what?
I never tell people that I told them so. It's just mean, dontcha think?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she had a ball and you guys got to go out on a real date.
I am a girl scout leader and one of my scouts was a young lady who is autistic. She had her first sleep out with the troop at our fire house. She loved it and I let her know she could use my phone at any time. She did not ask once. Later she went camping with the troop.She has outgrown my age level but I loved having her. Other leaders asked me if I could handle the sleep overs with this child. I told them it is the "normal kids" that drive me crazy aka her daughter.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter sounds very mature for her tender age.
ReplyDeleteGood for your daughter! These adventures are so great to build confidence and self esteem.
ReplyDeleteYou are raising a remarkable young woman! Good for her getting away from trouble and meeting a friend so dear! You always share nice stories. Enjoy your weekend! Anne
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your daughter ended up having a good time. Mean girls suck.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you guys enjoyed your date!
Glad she had such a great time! I'm impressed at how well she handled herself. Screw the mean girl...who needs her, anyways?
ReplyDeleteYes you do have the sweetest kid and very mature too. Glad she had such a great time there and i'm sure every parent would've had the same concerns - I know I would.
ReplyDeleteShe's mature for her age, sweet and smart....and she didn't get that way by herself. You and your husband should take a bow.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds terrific! What a great experience. Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy independence, getting close with your surroundings, and making new friends.
ReplyDeleteWas a girlscout for many years, with fond memories of our outings and camping trips.
It's good for her to try out her wings like that. Sounds like she did great!
ReplyDelete=)
Good for her, and for you for letting her go! I would have volunteered to chaperone :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very level headed little girl! Good parenting, Mom!!!!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that she had a great time and that she worried about both of you. I am so impressed that she moved her stuff and found a new friend.
ReplyDeleteI used to camp with my troop, and we had first timers. They were given the option of calling home to get picked up if they wanted. They usually had so much fun, they forgot about wanting to go home.
ReplyDeleteYes, your little sure does sound sweet!
Noexcuses
No crisis calls.
ReplyDeleteSweet kid.
A movie date!
Geez.
What an outstanding post!
I'm glad this worked out so well.
Hugs and A+
what a fun experience shared, smiles.
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