Yay - I hope she has fun!

OP here. Thanks again for all of your help, especially 20:04. I did it and hit the buttons. I registered my DD for Potomac Woods this morning. I spoke with another parent whose DD went to Potomac Woods and loved it. No problems. She will be joined by another girl in her troop.

The advantage of Camp Coles trip is that they have access to a lot more water activities -- kayaking, windsurfing etc... more adventure than Winona!

I am a leader who has been camp certified and taken my girls to Brighton Woods, Cole's Trip for camping, and also visited Winona during the day for an activity. My 4th graders had a very hard time with the latrines and I don't blame them. Sometimes they are worse than other times, but, I personally would not send my kid to camp with latrines if she has never experienced them before.

The only one I'd use would be Winona. My DD is going there for her first ever sleep away camp. You know how adventurous your daughter is, but I wouldn't pay to send my kid to camp at Pot. Woods or Coles Trip. Flushables are non-negotiable in my book.

Very helpful information PP. Thank you very much for your reassurance about the camp. I think I will go ahead register on Friday.

DD didn't know anyone when she went but she made friends quickly. DD was homesick a couple of times at night but the counselors are very well trained in dealing with this and were able to comfort her. The kids are always busy during the day so there isn't much time for homesickness then. Give your DD some postcards and stamps so that she can write you and let you know how she is doing. You can drop off letters and care packages when you drop her off and specify the day you want them delivered.

The camp is very secure. Nobody is allowed on the grounds other than workers and campers, and parents for the brief drop-off and pick up. There are very few male staff and they are never allowed in campers sleeping areas. Staff seemed to be very well trained and take safety seriously. Campers are never allowed to go anywhere alone - even if they have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night they have to wake up another camper to go with them.

I worried like crazy about DD going because it was only her second time being away from home overnight ever, but she had a great time.

Thanks for your help. I'm still thinking. There may be a girl from my daughters troop who may also go. Is it okay if a 4th grader does not know anyone? My daughter's never really been away from home for too long. DD really wants to go badly, she's very excited. What about safety of the camp? Is it an open park where anyone can just come to the park side? Do girls get homesick or is everyone just having too much fun? Husband says the camp is not that far from us, we could always rescue her I know I should probably just buck up and let her go and see what happens, right? Don't worry so much. I just want her to be safe and have fun and learn some things.

Thanks Moms!

My fourth grader enjoyed it last year for the half week session and wants to return this year for a week. The counselors seemed squared away. Last year they were mostly college age girls from the UK.

DD went to Camp Potomac Woods for two summers. She loved it the first summer and got used to the "biffies." The second summer, not as much, because she said her bed smelled bad and she didn't enjoy a night hike in the rain. I'm not sure how much those things would have bothered most kids. DD is very much a girly girl and doesn't do well with dirt, bugs, etc. I thought heat would be an issue, but the camp is pretty shady and they spent a lot of time swimming, so she didn't seem to mind it much.

The facilities are more "rustic" than Winona, but we felt very comfortable with the staff there. However, we decided to switch to YMCA camps, which are more expensive but also a bit more comfortable.

My daughter has done both, and liked both, but I think she liked Winona a little better. Maybe it was the flush toilets at Winona vs biffies at potomac woods. But in the few minutes i spent at camp, I also liked Winona a little better, I just got a better vibe. But I would recommend both.

DD did Camp Potomac Woods last summer (between 2nd and 3rd grades). Loved loved loved it. Going back again this summer with some troop friends.

what about Camp Winona?

My then 4th grader loved her week there last year. It's a perfect first sleepaway experience.

I noticed an earlier post about camp Potomac Woods in Leesburg. I was thinking about sending my 4th grader. Can anyone provide more details. Thanks!