The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

DS is 12. Last summer he went to an all boys sleep away camp for 2 weeks. He had a wonderful time. When we picked him up, however, he was COVERED in mosquito bites head to toe, despite me sending 2 cans of OFF and Skin So Soft soap. He only showered like 3x a week which bothered me (he told me it's fine b/c they were in the lake 2x a day) and lastly, most of his clothing were mildewed b/c of the rain.
DH was furious, feeling like he was not really looked after while he was there. DS is begging to go back this summer because he loved the experience. Would you allow him, look for another camp or keep him home?

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

I would let him go. He had fun and came back safe. Mosquitoes are part of being outdoors and really can't be helped regardless of bug spray.

As far as showering and taking care of his clothes, that is his responsibility - not the counselors, so I think that would happen regardless of what camp he goes too.

Plus, he is probably looking forward to seeing the friends he made there again.

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

i think mosquito bites and dirty clothes are part of the camp experience! he went to camp to have tons of fun and experiences, which it seems he did. he didn't go to be catered to and stay inside all day.

send him again and don't buy expensive clothes. he's a 12 year old boy who is experiencing the great outdoors--ask your husband to remember what it was like for him at that age. (hopefully he was into that sort of stuff!)

your son obviously loved the experience and wasn't bothered at all so i don't know why you should look for a different camp. it's not like he was miserable--it seems he lived life to the fullest while there and has great memories

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Posted by browneyedgirl

i think mosquito bites and dirty clothes are part of the camp experience! he went to camp to have tons of fun and experiences, which it seems he did. he didn't go to be catered to and stay inside all day.

send him again and don't buy expensive clothes. he's a 12 year old boy who is experiencing the great outdoors--ask your husband to remember what it was like for him at that age. (hopefully he was into that sort of stuff!)

your son obviously loved the experience and wasn't bothered at all so i don't know why you should look for a different camp. it's not like he was miserable--it seems he lived life to the fullest while there and has great memories

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Just wondering, will they wash clothes there or you must pack enough clothes for 2 weeks?

I remember sleep away camp and I hated it!! And it was for that very reason - showering is usually in cold water, which kinda turns you off. When it rains, everything gets mildewed. You're covered head to toe in bug bites, no matter what (remember they are usually by a lake or some body of water)....

If none of this bothered him, definitely send him again...that's just sleepaway camp!

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

I think it's all part of the experience, and it's only 2 weeks. If he loved it, that's what's important and I think you should let him go back.

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

I would keep him home but I amnot a fan of sleepaway camps...I had a TERRIBLE experience in one as a child so my DS wone be seeing one...he can camp in my yard!!!!

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Other than hyperventilating at the idea of sending my kids to sleepaway camp, I agree with everyone else.

I think it's an excellent opportunity to teach your child to be more responsible. Sit him down & say that he can go to camp BUT if you find out he's not showering, etc, you'll have to consider different options for the next year.

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

As a Boy Scout who went to Summer Camp for 2 weeks at a time for quite a few years, I would definitely send him again.

Showering 3x a week is actually pretty good. Many kids will only shower the day before they go home....

Bug spray is used to start fires, not keep bugs off.... all 12 yos know that....

At 12 years old, the counselors shouldn't have to make sure DS bathes and puts bug spray on. He's old enough to decide for himself. It's not a safety issue, so it's not a big deal.

Just be glad you don't know about all the things he *didn't* tell you about.....

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

it is all a part of the experience.. I went to sleepaway camp for 7 years and I loved it.. you just learn what to ring an what not to bring.. my mother would just toss all my socks and underwear at the end of the summer.. and when they swim in the lake it is the same water that they most likely showering in anyway...

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

I wanted to add that the showering would not bother me in the least bit. We've been camping with cub scouts and I think most of the kids showered once for the entire 4 day weekend. It's just part of the camping experience

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Posted by GoldenRod

As a Boy Scout who went to Summer Camp for 2 weeks at a time for quite a few years, I would definitely send him again.

Showering 3x a week is actually pretty good. Many kids will only shower the day before they go home....

Bug spray is used to start fires, not keep bugs off.... all 12 yos know that....

At 12 years old, the counselors shouldn't have to make sure DS bathes and puts bug spray on. He's old enough to decide for himself. It's not a safety issue, so it's not a big deal.

Just be glad you don't know about all the things he *didn't* tell you about.....

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

I'd absolutely send him. Sounds like he had a great time.

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

Re: The Great Camp Debate - WWYD?

You should definitely still send him. And as far as the showering goes, I'm guessing he's more into girls now, so that might push him to be a bit more hygenic.