As a former Camp Director, Athletic Director, Wilderness Trip Leader and Counselor, I have gotten to witness all the reasons why you send your children to sleep away camps , teen programs and wilderness trips. Here are some of my favorite moments .

I have seen your children:

…walk arm in arm with a friend.

…stand on their chair (safely of course) screaming their favorite song or cheer.

…laugh uncontrollably.

…dress up for MTV night.

I have seen your children:

…sneak into the canteen when they thought no one was looking.

…console a friend.

…hit in the winning run.

…cry at the end of color war – win or lose .

I have seen your children:

…climb the climbing wall ONLY because their friends were cheering them on, when they were full of fear and self doubt.

…walk hand in hand with a counselor.

…get up on skis for the first time with a smile and sense of accomplishment.

…,sing and dance ‘til they drop.

…make it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top..on foot!

I have seen your children:

…covered in clay while they chat with a friend and maneuver the pottery wheel.

…use their minds as they try to solve hatchet hunt clues.

…own up to hurting someone’s feelings and make it right.

…discover that guitar and oil painting are not just for musicians and artists.

I have seen your children:

…learn how to work as a team (that includes cleaning the bunk – don’t let them tell you they can’t sweep, make their bed or fold laundry!)

…LEARN THAT FUN AND SILLINESS HAVE NO AGE LIMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…sing the alma mater with tears in their eyes.

…look straight at lost and found and not recognize their own clothes…..that have their name tag in it!

…after lights out and heard their whispers and giggles.

…try new things, fail and try again.

…open a letter from home, smile and run to share news or a picture with a friend or counselor.

…say good bye, hug and cry with such intensity and passion that time stands still ……. the only comfort being that the best camp is just 364 days away……..