My grandsons are going to sleepaway camp for the first time. They know that I help families find great camps for their kids and that I suggested this overnight camp for them. The 11-year-old called me with a lot of questions.

This is what he asked…

• Will there be a washing machine in the cabin, or will he have to take enough clothes for the whole time he will be at camp?
• How will he know where to go for each activity?
• What if he doesn’t like the meal that is served?
• What if he doesn’t feel well?
• Will they have baseball and dodgeball?

It gave me insight into what a leap it is for our kids to go to camp and how scary it can be for that first time.  As I answered each individual question it dawned on me that the best answer I could offer is that his counselors will be like big brothers whose job it is to look out for the kids in the cabin and help them.

While it helped to explain that there would be no washing machine in the cabin, I think the most reassuring thing was the understanding that a “big brother” would be waiting to be there to answer any concerns.

How lucky kids are who attend an overnight summer experience! It offers the chance to become more independent, ask for help when they need it, try new activities and make new friends away from screens and the pressures of school.

A letter written on day two arrived alerting me that they do have dodgeball and he is having a lot of fun!

A win all the way around.