8 years old is when most kids start going to camp. I have worked at summer camps for 16 years. I started when I was 8.
If you are concerned about safety, talk to the director and also check to make sure they are American Camping Association certified. They have to follow a big list of standards to make the camp certified. 3 hours is not far. I just came back from working at a camp for a few weeks in CA!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drove from NY to NC when DS was 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 5 of the best summers he's ever had.

Which camp in NC?

Mondamin.

Is that place as amazing as it looks online? I looked at it for my son this summer but couldn't quite swing it financially, but maybe can next year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drove from NY to NC when DS was 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 5 of the best summers he's ever had.

Which camp in NC?

Mondamin.

I would like to know how you as parents know that the camp is safe especially that these are sleep away camps??

Was it just for a week of camp? Also, aren't you afraid for your child safety? How do you pick the right camp?

we just drove 5 hours, so I guess the answer is "yes.

Anonymous wrote:Drove from NY to NC when DS was 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 5 of the best summers he's ever had.

Which camp in NC?

Drove from NY to NC when DS was 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 5 of the best summers he's ever had.

We're driving 8 hours!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! She is 8. I hope I am not sending her too early...??

15:41 poster here - I think it really depends on your child. My mom started at 6 yo. I started at 7 yo. My dc is starting at 8 yo. I think 8 is not too young for a one week camp. I hope she has a great time!

I know people who go away for camp up in New England too. If your child wants to go, I wouldn't let the distance stop you if you don't mind driving.

Our camp is 3 hours away - in my son's cabin of 12 boys all but 3 got homesick. That is part of it. It's normal.

Thanks! She is 8. I hope I am not sending her too early...??

Absolutely! It is a nice drive. How old is your DD? Homesickness is normal and she will orobably have it, figure out how to cope with it, and be stronger (and more resilient) as a result. My first week at camp when I was seven I wrote my parents that I was miserable and had no friends. By the time my parents picked me up I was happy, made lots of friends, and begged to go back the next summer.

My DC is going to sleep-away camp this summer for the first time (2 weeks) and it is up in New England. She is excited and nervous. I am sure she will be sad at times, but I am really looking forward to hearing all about her new experiences.

I was considering an overnight camp that is three hours away from DC, but wondering if
this is not to far to just drop off/pick up your child for a week of camp?
What if she is home sick?
Does anyone have any experience with this kind of camps?