My children ages 10 and 8 are going to church camp next week. They are both going at separate times, the older will stay for 4 nights, the smallest will stay for 2 nights. This is their first church camp experience. It is supposed to be really fun.... a ton of crafts and cool things to do. My daughter will know a few people at hers, but I don't know who all will be at my sons that he would know.
I am just really worried about this. My kids are everything to me. I guess you could say they are my source of comfort right now. My husband is in Iraq for the 3rd time and I really enjoy them being around me. I am worried for myself. Worried I might have panic attacks without them here (I am taking medication for panic attacks that I disabled me in the past). I do have a 3 year old who will be here with me.
I am also more worried about my 10 year old son than I am my daughter. He does not like to sleep away very often. He also is afraid of the dark and I am worried night time will be really scary for him. They can not bring things like MP3 players, flashlights, cell phones... anything of that nature. So when it's lights out, it's lights out. I also worry what if there is a storm. He hates storms.
Okay so yes, I am just a ball of worry! I feel like I am going to cry when I think about this. I am almost wanting to just make them stay home. But I also don't want them to miss out on some fun that they could have had because of me and my worry-wart self.
Can anyone just offer some good advice on how to stay sane while they are away? I think night time will be hardest for me as I feel it will be for them.
Thanks!
Thank you to all the responses. I know I am closing this early, but I think I have gained alot of courage from the mothers who have responded. You guys are so awesome. I did find out they allow flashlights. And this camp has been in business for many years, so I am sure they know how to deal with homesick kiddos.
I am sure I will still be a basket case, but I think in the end I will be okay.
Thanks!
Be strong.
Send them. Let them have this time.
They aren't going for 3 weeks... it's a couple of days. The oldest goes for 4 days and the younger for 2 - take time to spend with the one left at home... Do things that one likes to do that you can't do with the other 2 at home.
Be positive.
Don't let them know you are worried - they won't have as much fun because they'll feel guilty if they do.
YMMV
LBC
Please be very careful in putting the worries you have into the hearts of your kids. I have the same worry about putting my son on a school bus next September. He, on the other hand, cannot wait to ride the bus. His teacher advised me to try to be as positive and upbeat as possible, because if I let him see my worries, he will share them with me. Its kind of like when a parent is terrified of something (dogs, thunderstorms, clowns, etc) and their child, without any reason for it, becomes terrified of the same thing. You're a great mom for worrying about your children, but don't take this from them because of the fears you have. And if you let on how worried and afraid you are, that is exactly what will happen. Then, even if they go, they still won't have the great experience that they were meant to have.
On another note, are there any parents of kids who have previously attended camp that you can talk with about your fears for your kids?? Maybe the actual camp counselors. You DO have so very valid questions to check in to (such as how they will handle a child afraid of the dark or storms or being away from home). Talk to them before hand and make sure you have answers to your questions.
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I think the best thing you could do to alleviate some of the worry is to call and talk to someone at the camp. Tell her your fears (lights out/afraid of the dark etc) ask that he be placed in a bunk near the door there is always a night light near the door. When there are bad storms they gather up all the campers into the dining hall. my son goes to a sleepover camp each year. I was a basket case the first time lol. He is 15 now and this will be his 5th year. I worried about all sorts of stuff. will he remember to change his underwear, will he have an accident. what will happen if he does, will they feed him etc. he had a blast. came home eating foods that he previously hated. but since it was a camp not a cafe he had to eat what was offered. He loved everything about camp. Your son will love it too. Don't make them stay home. Let them go. and plan some things to keep you busy while they are gone. take the little one to the zoo, have dinner with a good friend. invite a good friend to spend the night and stay up late and watch goofy old movies. clean out the kids closets while they are gone and won't be in the way. the time will pass faster than you can blink. I will say a prayer for your husband. My son in law was in afghanistan for a year then home for 6 months then iraq for a year and half then home for 6 months and then back to afghanistan for year. its hard. But I am so proud of all of our service men. Tell your husband I said thank you for what he does.
Hey girl Just Breath it will be OK... My suggetion to you is to talk to the counclors that will be with your children about all of ur concerns and questions. I don't know why ur son can't bring at least a flash light!! Our girls have been gion to camp for 4 yrs an that is one of things that they are required to bring. As far as the anixity of them going for the first time. It was scary for me to see them go for the first time. But I knew that it was something that had to do on there own. To feel that they are getting older and so they can have the sence of independance( SUPERVISED of COURSE)! Plus I knew some of the parents that were going with so I the inside scoop on everything that went on ( if i had any questions). Maybe that could be a option for you see if the other children @ home can go to a grandparents home for the days of camp and you go with them. I don't know but it was just a thought. But Really they will have a GREAT TIME!! My girls look forward to go every summer and WE do to.
Try to keep busy with the other kids at home when they are gone so u don;t have to much time to worry about what the others are doing. If there is something wrong hey will contact yuo. And think of it this way NO PHONE CALL IS GOOD!!
Have a great day and just BREATH it will be OK!
I find it odd that a camp, even a church camp, which we've gone to for years, won't allow a flashlight. I would talk to someone in charge and send a flashlight anyway. Our camps don't allow electronics or phones either, the councelors have the phones and numbers to reach parents with. But never have I heard of a camp not allowing flashlights. I wouldn't worry about him, tell his councelors he is afriad of the dark so they are aware. The first time our kids go to camp is always more tramatic for us than them. Don't show your fears or worries and both of your kiddos will be fine. He'll make some new friends and maybe see a few old ones. Good luck and God Bless.
I think it's best to be armed with as much knowledge as possible. Know your kids, know the people you're leaving them with, and know that crime is down and they'll probably be ok. I recommend http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/
They are going to do great. Did you go to camp when you were a child? I did and I LOVED it. I really did not know many people, but I made great friends. It gave me great confidence.
I know you are worried, but this is part of being a parent. Sending them out there so they can begin to become more independent.. Also what a treat for your 3 year old! That child will be an only! Very exciting..
I am sending you strength. Just be excited FOR your children. And look forward to their stories. Plan some fun things to do while they are gone..
Stephanie,
It sounds like you have 3 great kids and a very close family. That is awesome! I just wanted to say that while my own daughter is not old enough to go to church camp, I do know several that are the same age as yours and have been a few times. They are literally counting down the days until they get to leave. It is just an awesome time for the children to get the chance to meet new people and most importantly grow in thier relationship with Christ. So exciting!!!
So I just wanted to say that I will pray for your comfort and peace with the upcoming event and for thier experience at church camp to be one they will never forget!
Stephanie, I understand your worries. Do your children want to go to camp or is this their idea? Maybe you should have a heart to heart with them, particularly your son, and ask him to imagine a day and night at camp in as much detail as he can. Talk to him about his worries and try to find solutions or helpful ideas together.
I was a camp counselor and there were a couple of kids who got homesick, but they were nurtured and loved through it. Those kids stayed for 3-9 weeks, even the 6 year olds, so they got over it eventually. No one had an over all bad experience. He's getting his feet wet. There are so many adventures in life and this is just the beginning. You want him to be free and confident and if you worry him he won't be. Fake it until you make it, if you have to.
My 7 yo daughter is about to go on a mission trip without me to a third world country. This is her first adventure without me and she's so young. We will be apart for 10 days, after which I will join her along with my 3 yo son. She was born in that country, but I'm nervous nervous nervous. My parents travelled the whole world for me and never made excuses based on fear, not even when I had malaria. It was the gratest gift they ever gave me. I have a kind of confidence in myself that I haven't seen in many people and it has served me well. I want that for my baby, so while I'm coaching her on being careful I will not let her see me worry. I don't want my feelings to weigh her down. I want her to fly.
Good luck.
Oh my goodness, can I relate!! I too suffer from panic attacks and severe anxiety and my husband has served three tours in Iraq. I always worry about my 10 year old son and I feel the same way whenever he stays with anyone who is not family. Is is possible for you to schedule some relaxing time while they are away? Could you go get a massage or just take a bath while the youngest sleeps? Night time was always the worst for me so, I used to stock up on movies that I have always wanted to watch and I would just watch them all night to get me through. I think distraction and keeping busy are the key! Good Luck!
