littlepieceofheaven: June 2014

This year, both of my girls went off to summer camp - sleep away camp - for the first time. St. Crispin's Episcopal Camp in Wewoka, OK is where they spent their week last week. This camp is not unfamiliar to me. I lost my favorite babysitters every summer to this camp, for more weeks than I would have liked! And just when I thought camp was over for them, I lost them again when they decided to become counselors and serve on staff there. The stories I would hear from them and many others sealed the deal that this would be the place for my girls when they decided they were ready for camp. These "babysitters" of mine are now in their mid twenties with real jobs and live in other cities. What are the chances they would end up at St. Crispin's with my girls last week?? Apparently, not bad, because as luck would have it, they were called in to help with this extra large group of 3rd-5th graders!! How awesome is that? They were my secret link into camp - posting little notes and updates for me on FaceBook. They know firsthand what a helicopter parent I can be! It was more than fun and so reassuring to hear almost immediately what was going on with them. Cannot thank them enough.

So last weekend, we prepared, packed, talked about my summers at Camp Bratton Green Episcopal camp with my buddies (more stories than they were probably interested in), drove a quick 2 hours over to Wewoka, found their cabin, made up beds, unpacked and left them there. For the entire week. Kate seemed just fine, but Claire was very tearful. Man, that was hard but I am so glad I stayed strong and let them go. They had a wonderful time, met lots of new friends, had some time to be on their own and know "hey, I can do this and do it well"! Claire is begging for a second week over there in late July. Kate can't wait to go back next year. I hope this is the beginning of a long relationship with St. Crispin's. I'm a fan. All in all - it was great.

Will? Well, he missed them. There's no doubt about it. And I realized this week that letting go can be a good thing. Maybe I can turn my propellers off more often and relax. I also realize that these girls spend a great deal of time with their little brother. I should be more thankful for that. I think we all appreciate each other a little more having spent a week apart.

Now, off to do all that laundry. This week was an eye opener regarding the laundry too. I had almost none while they were gone. How many outfits do they wear every day?!?

See ya next summer, St. Crispin's (unless Claire talks her Dad into another week!)