GainesvilleMoms.com

Some food for thought...

"Summer camp is a good way to practice separation between you and your child. It gives a child confidence that he can cope without leaning on his parents."

— Jeffrey Solomon, executive director, National Camp Association

"Research is clear: A week or more at camp accelerates children's development. Kids love who they become at camp."

— Christopher Thurber, Ph.D., psychologist, and camp expert


Has anyone here sent their kids to camp? How was their experience there?

My kids do a week long summer camp at our church. They spend the week there and it is easier for me because they are still close enough for me to be comfortable. Our church has the facilities..ei. showers, designated sleeping areas, a full kitchen etc. and there will be roughly 250 kids from churches from 3 counties. They have had nothing but great experiences. The youngest allowed is 6 but mine did not go until about 11 and 12 years old. So yes I agree camp has been really good for my kids but I know I feel MUCH more comfortable knowing the counselors well and knowing they are not too far from home,(its nice because I can randomly drop in during the week!).

I agree that with each time my kids are 'separated' from me like that they do 'come into their own' just a bit more. They build confidence in themselves and always come home beaming with excitment and have tons of stories to tell me.

They are actually going on the 20th of this month and they are both very excited already.

A lot of the private schools in town have camps in the summer. Brentwood has a bunch.