We did the exact same thing with my then 7 yr old DC when we first moved to a new city. DC hated it, unfortunately, cried for first 2 weeks. By week 3, DC had made a friend and seemed fine. It was tough to see DC cry everyday. But, I figure DC was going to be starting a new school and would have to make new friends anyway, so we would only be postponing the agony.

Welcome to DC - if you aren't doing some sort of enrichment activity every waking moment of the day, you are depriving your children. Not doing camp would be terrible. You MUST do camp. Please tell me it is at least an immersion/art based/thematic program sponsored by a museum or cultural program?

Otherwise you are DOOMED!

The last few years, we have done a few camps but mostly here and there in the mornings because my dh was a SAHD. My kids were super bored and mostly played video games and watched tv. There were no other kids around in the neighborhood to play with. My dh finally got a job, and my kids are excited to be going to camp this summer. I am getting a babysitter to cover aftercare for most of the summer, but from 9 - 3 or 4, they will be in camp riding horses, swimming, playing with other kids, learning cool techno stuff, etc.

Camp is awesome! My daughter loves it. It's a great way to meet new friends and try new things, and you'll be able to get settled in while they're there. Happy mom, happy kids - no brainer.

Anonymous wrote:Feeling guilty for NOT sending my kids to camp. Sahm in the early years, family vaca house, lots of down time. Thinking that some organized activities would have been better.
Do what works for you, there will always be second guessing.

+1

Camps are great in this area. You will have your time to unpack and kids will make new friends.

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like a great way for the kids to meet some friends!

OP here. You are probably a bit anxious about the move and transition, which is manifesting in the worry about camps. Try not to worry. All will be well!

I think you are right. I normally don't get this type of guilt! If I wasn't moving my kids would still be going to camp. I'm just pretty anxious! Thanks.

Why do you need someone to tell you this? Of course you aren't a horrible mom. Did you previously judge parents who have children in summer camp or something?

Sounds like a great way for the kids to meet some friends!

You are probably a bit anxious about the move and transition, which is manifesting in the worry about camps. Try not to worry. All will be well!

Your life will be so much better for having some time to unpack and do the many bits of life organization required for a move. Don't sweat it!

"please tell me I'm not a horrible mom for not wanting to spend every waking moment with them"

Is you DH a horrible father for not wanting to spend every waking moment with them?

Don't feel guilty - camp is great! Every kid I know loves being out of the house, outside, playing with other kids. You're doing the right thing, OP.

Feeling guilty for NOT sending my kids to camp. Sahm in the early years, family vaca house, lots of down time. Thinking that some organized activities would have been better.
Do what works for you, there will always be second guessing.

A ton of kids do camps here in fsirfax county.

Your kids will have a great time.

We are moving to the area next month. Between all the unpacking and some work our new house needs, I've signed my 7 and 9 year olds up for various camps most of July and into early August. My younger one who is 4 will do morning preschool camp. I felt like the combo of not knowing anyone, and getting unpacked, it would be hard to all be together 24/7. But now I'm feeling guilty! I stay home and I feel like I could be taking them to explore all the great sights and cool places nearby. Of course we will have a good 3-4 weeks together before school begins after camp is over. I just feel like my kids will be bored at home and end up begging for TV time.....
Most camps I signed them up for are local rec ones, nothing super fancy. If they don't love the, they can just go for a few hours since they aren't super $$.
please tell me I'm not a horrible mom for not wanting to spend every waking moment with them.