Yes, you can do it. Yes, you should do it.

As a camp and trip advisor I hear it all the time… My child needs a friend to go or they won’t go. Nothing could be farther than the truth.

I sent my children off at 8 years old not knowing anyone attending their camps. They are the happiest campers. They have the best friends from all over the USA! To me this is one of the strengths and benefits of sleepaway camps and trips. They have friendships that will last a lifetime. The skills they developed from meeting new people, learning to cope, and developing independence will enable them to be stronger adults and increase their sense of self. Speak to Camp Directors and Teen Program leaders and you will learn that they concur. Many programs, especially those that involve small group travel, prefer children to attend independently. There are some that also may discourage more than one student attending from a certain school or hometown. The long lasting benefits of students taking a risk and trying new things independently far out-way the security of participating with a friend. Attending programs with a friend may also hinder the experiences for one or both. Often it prevents students from reaching out to others as well as trying activities they might not otherwise engage in. The success stories are numerous. Give it a try, urge your child or teen to venture off solo!