Are sleepaway camps a good idea?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid is interested, it's fantastic. If they are not (or if they are scared) it isn't: you don't build confidence by being miserable at a supposedly fun thing.

OP, lots of scout camps (and probably other camps) offer one-night overnights, which may be a good way to ease into it. You can also have your kids go with a friend, so they know someone. But I wouldn't force it if they don't want to go.

I know a few kids that didn’t want to go, parents made them and once they met their crew of camp buddies, had the time of their life and go back every summer.

[Anonymous]

It’s a way for lazy parents to get their kids off screens

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a way for lazy parents to get their kids off screens

Or to make lifelong friends. My camp buddies are like family to me. The bond never goes away

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1119313.page

Safety is a legitimate concern. See how they background check staff, what security is like, teach your kids about safety beforehand.

I look forward to sending my kids next summer when they’re 8 and 10!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to sleep away camp as a kid, every year, and it was one of the most profoundly amazing experiences of my life, and the highlight of my year throughout childhood.

I was/am very independent, I was not popular or well liked at school (though I always had friends) but was accepted at camp. Late nights up talking and looking at the stars at camp formed my social and spiritual backbone. Those relationships had more of an impact as who I am as a 30 something adult than any other besides my parents.

plus a million. I can’t imagine my life without that experience and the people I met. I know lots of people that weren’t that popular in school but found their place at camp where the acceptance threshold from piers isn’t the same as school. It’s one big family at camp

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1119313.page

Well, what?

[Anonymous]

It's hard to find out how a camp screens its workforce because for every parent asking the questions, there are 20 more on the waitlist who don't care about safety. If you ask for particulars, the camp will literally tell you there's dozens of campers willing to take your spot if you don't drop the subject.

[Anonymous]

No. I do not trust the counselors to not abuse the kids.

[Anonymous]

I have no need to be rid of my kids during the summer.

My kids get to spend a relaxed summer with friends and family, some ECs and scholastic stuff and then also a bit of international travel thrown in.

They like to get up late, eat what they want to eat, watch movies, be indoors in AC when hot or go to the pool, and not follow a strict schedule most of the time.

[Anonymous]

I also remember my sleep away camp memories as incredibly special and plan to send my kids if they’re interested starting in that 8-9 age range. My oldest I think was born for sleep away camp and will likely love if (very extroverted, loves any and all physical activity especially outdoors, not bothered by being dirty). My youngest, we’ll see. He’s a little more like my husband and my husband didn’t love sleepaway camps the way I did. I remember being shocked when he told me that. But it does show it’s not for everyone and that’s fine! I figure we’ll see if the oldest being there helps the youngest and if he doesn’t like it, he can choose other things he’s interested in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1119313.page

Well, what?

Not the PP, but all that thread shows me it is impossible to have a realistic and rational conversation with sleepaway camp fanatics. Are all sleepaway camps hotbeds of abuse? No, but many children are abused at camp every year and it's underreported.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have no need to be rid of my kids during the summer.

My kids get to spend a relaxed summer with friends and family, some ECs and scholastic stuff and then also a bit of international travel thrown in.

They like to get up late, eat what they want to eat, watch movies, be indoors in AC when hot or go to the pool, and not follow a strict schedule most of the time.

I don’t need to be rid of my kid. That’s not why the majority of families send their kid to sleepaway.

It’s for the experience and friendships which you cannot replicate at home

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1119313.page

Well, what?

Not the PP, but all that thread shows me it is impossible to have a realistic and rational conversation with sleepaway camp fanatics. Are all sleepaway camps hotbeds of abuse? No, but many children are abused at camp every year and it's underreported.

Oh come on. It’s a very, very small percentage.

Saying you are not sending your kid to sleep away because of this, you are being way risk adverse outside the normal range. It’s like saying my kid is not getting in a car because I’m afraid they are going to get into an accident.

Have the talk with your kid about inappropriate actions and what to do.

[Anonymous]

Sleep away camp fanatics are not normal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1119313.page

Well, what?

Not the PP, but all that thread shows me it is impossible to have a realistic and rational conversation with sleepaway camp fanatics. Are all sleepaway camps hotbeds of abuse? No, but many children are abused at camp every year and it's underreported.

Oh come on. It’s a very, very small percentage.

Saying you are not sending your kid to sleep away because of this, you are being way risk adverse outside the normal range. It’s like saying my kid is not getting in a car because I’m afraid they are going to get into an accident.

Have the talk with your kid about inappropriate actions and what to do.

Better yet, just go camping as a family. Actual outdoors experience without a 16 year old counselor showing your 11 year old his private parts. That actually happened to me.