I grew up going to sleep away camp and now my kids go to the same place. While it allows them to gain independence, do activities we don't have nearby, meet people from different places/backgrounds/experiences it also gives DH and I some time alone just the two of us, which we don't get during the rest of the year. The kids are screen free the whole time and form friendships that continue thought the year. They look forward to seeing the camp friends each summer.

Anonymous wrote:Mine go for 7 weeks and love it. My youngest doesn’t yet, but she seems to be looking forward to it. I’ve worked as staff at the ones my kids’ attend. I feel very comfortable with them going, but I would never force it if they decide they don’t want to. For us, 9-10 is the range we started, kid dependents. There are a handful of kids 6-7 that go and many 8 yr olds too

The youngest child always seems to go earlier than the older ones. They've seen the older ones go and they've heard about it. When they get there, their siblings are there to help them through any challenges.

Well.

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

Mine go for 7 weeks and love it. My youngest doesn’t yet, but she seems to be looking forward to it. I’ve worked as staff at the ones my kids’ attend. I feel very comfortable with them going, but I would never force it if they decide they don’t want to. For us, 9-10 is the range we started, kid dependents. There are a handful of kids 6-7 that go and many 8 yr olds too

My son did a week away this summer. These were the benefits:

- very limited screen time
- outdoors everyday getting exercise
- all new activities for him to try. All activities were chosen by him each day.
- he had to pick up after himself (dirty clothes in a laundry bag, put dishes and trash away after eating). Very much teaches responsibility and independence. No relying on parents to do everything for them.
- had to go to bed at the same time every day
- had to be respectful of others while sharing a cabin
- learned how to navigate new social situations with his peers and resolve conflicts
- made new friends and bonded with his close friend who attended with him
- gained the commraderie of nightly activities of the entire camp. This sense of community was really beneficial.
- he came home with a real appreciation for the comforts of home and his own bed.

It was a great experience. One week was perfect. He did great but was ready to come home at the end. He was able to receive emails from us and he responded back to one of them so I didn’t have to wait for a letter in the mail.



- had to learn how to navigate new social situations
- group comm

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are helicoptering parents the same people who send their children to sleep away camp?

No lazy selfish parents are

lol - yikes. You are wound tight.

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.

+1

Sleepaway camp is one great way to build independence for some kids, but it's far from the only way. Most of them (scout camps being a notable exception) are also very expensive, so there's that.

Lots of molestation stories I’ve heard

Anonymous wrote:Are helicoptering parents the same people who send their children to sleep away camp?

No lazy selfish parents are

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are helicoptering parents the same people who send their children to sleep away camp?

I would think the opposite.

+1. Parents out of the picture and your kid can do whatever they want at sleep away.

You also need to be confurtsnke with letting go of the reins and cutting the cord which sounds like OP is not and why people are saying she should definitely consider for her kid

Typo comfortable

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are helicoptering parents the same people who send their children to sleep away camp?

I would think the opposite.

+1. Parents out of the picture and your kid can do whatever they want at sleep away.

You also need to be confurtsnke with letting go of the reins and cutting the cord which sounds like OP is not and why people are saying she should definitely consider for her kid

Anonymous wrote:Are helicoptering parents the same people who send their children to sleep away camp?

I would think the opposite.

It’s very dependent upon your child. I loved sleepaway camp and my sister hated it. She is a successful finance executive and a im a cog in a wheel at a large company. Sleepaway camp has no bearing on who your child becomes, but it’s a very fun, social experience.

Personally as much as I loved sleepaway camp, my best summer was a summer teen tour out west in high school.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't send shy kids to sleepaway camp with the hopes of that experience helping them open up and becoming more assertive. Shy kids are too often targets for molesters. Lots of stories about pre-teen and young teen campers being molested by older teen and young adult counselors. These camps are safer for kids who are outgoing and not afraid to speak up.

Flame away....

I actually agree with this. Very legitimate concern. I have two kids I wouldn’t worry about, but one who is more likely to be a target.