Summer Camp

[luvdiznee]

It's that time of year to think about this, (for me anyway) but DD12 says she will be ready to go this year, as she will be 13. Of course it's just me. I am having such a hard time with this! Yes, I am very overprotective. Probably too overprotective (I'm sure that will come back to bite me in this thread:D). But just wondering for parents that have a real hard time with something like this, how do you let go.

Also this would be a specialized camp for Type I Diabetics, as DD is one. But that's another concern as I know her and her allowed amounts of insulin. I know there are professionals that run the camp as her Diabetes Specialist did it a few years ago.

Also she is very quiet, very shy. What is she is up there for a week, not having luck with making friends. She will be in misery. I geuss I need to talk to her a bit more to be sure this is what she wants. That she will be ready for all things to come.:confused::(

[Strmchsr]

I know the feeling. My DS9 was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes 4 years ago. In 2008 we let him go to the junior camp for diabetics. DW was seriously freaking out letting him go off by himself for a week. However, it was the best decision we ever made. He's kind of shy and reserved, too, but being at the camp is the one week of the year he feels "normal" because all the other kids are checking their sugars, everyone counts carbs, everyone gets shots, etc. It's done a lot for his self-esteem. Plus he has a blast with all of the activities. Initially he didn't really want to go (nerves/scared), but we really encouraged him and now it's harder on the parents than on him. He can't wait to go. I hope your DD can have a great time and lots of :pixie: that your nerves do well too!

[Dznygrl79]

I cannot comment on the diabetes issue, however I went to camp every summer for the entire summer from the time I was 9 until 17 and then I worked at the camp for 3 years. It was the best expiereiance of my life. I learned a lot by being there on my own. Of course I think its natural to worry about her making friends every parent does but it will happen. Also it can't hurt to see if the camp has an open house and what there calling home policy is that way you can be better prepared. As a staff member we always encouraged the kids to make a new friend or two and it usually happened on its own. Good luck in your decision!

[RedSoxFan]

DD13 is going to camp for the first time for a week in August. It's on a lake and bible oriented. She is going with her best girlfriends (6 total I believe). I'm a little nervous; but I know she'll be fine and she'll be 15 minutes away (so not too bad). She cannot have any electronics which include the hair dryer, ipod, cell, etc. I think it'll be good her all of them to have a week without the electronics. And when she comes back, it'll be time for pre-season with JV soccer.

[TiggeRia]

I don't have any experience regarding the diabetes portion, but I spent my summers at sleep away camp from the time I was 12 until well into my 20's, working there. I agree with an above poster that it was the absolute best experience of my life, and I truly miss it every day. I learned so much about myself and others and it has truly shaped me into the individual I am today. Camp is not for everyone, though, and many kids to experience homesickness. It my experience, the homesickness is the worst over the first few days, and once they are a few days into it, they are so busy they don't have time to think about being homesick. I think it does make it worse for parents to talk to the kids in the first few days until they get over that feeling. Don't worry about making friends, either---I was totally shy and reserved, and I made lifelong friends at camp. They are some of my closest and most treasured friends today--18 years later.