TOTALLY GEEKED!

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Sleep away camp.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

No. I wouldn't. Not because I don't think my kid would have fun. But, because other adults nowadays are often untrustworthy. They dont' pay attention. They aren't watching your kid like you would. Is there water around? Would you feel safe with your kid around water who isn't really being supervised all that much? I think if you have to ask, then you already know the answer. Of course, millions of kids go to camp and nothing bad happens which i am sure Husker will be quick to point out. And, that is true. Most likely, nothing bad will happen.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
No. I wouldn't. Not because I don't think my kid would have fun. But, because other adults nowadays are often untrustworthy. They dont' pay attention. They aren't watching your kid like you would. Is there water around? Would you feel safe with your kid around water who isn't really being supervised all that much? I think if you have to ask, then you already know the answer. Of course, millions of kids go to camp and nothing bad happens which i am sure Husker will be quick to point out. And, that is true. Most likely, nothing bad will happen.

The First Timers camp has the an extremely low camper to counselor ratio, and in all the time I've lived here, I've never heard of an accident at that camp.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
No. I wouldn't. Not because I don't think my kid would have fun. But, because other adults nowadays are often untrustworthy. They dont' pay attention. They aren't watching your kid like you would. Is there water around? Would you feel safe with your kid around water who isn't really being supervised all that much? I think if you have to ask, then you already know the answer. Of course, millions of kids go to camp and nothing bad happens which i am sure Husker will be quick to point out. And, that is true. Most likely, nothing bad will happen.
The First Timers camp has the an extremely low camper to counselor ratio, and in all the time I've lived here, I've never heard of an accident at that camp.

I know. It will probably be fine. But, as I said, i really don't trust other adults that much. One time, i was at Church and DD was in a different part of the church in an evening kids' Bible Study. I was in a classroom in another part of the church with a women's group. When i came out of the class, i found DD ALONE crying in the gym. The "teacher" let the class out and DD was young and didn't know where i was. And, she didnt' CARE enough to make sure my child was with anyone and just left. So, that is just one example.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
No. I wouldn't. Not because I don't think my kid would have fun. But, because other adults nowadays are often untrustworthy. They dont' pay attention. They aren't watching your kid like you would. Is there water around? Would you feel safe with your kid around water who isn't really being supervised all that much? I think if you have to ask, then you already know the answer. Of course, millions of kids go to camp and nothing bad happens which i am sure Husker will be quick to point out. And, that is true. Most likely, nothing bad will happen.
The First Timers camp has the an extremely low camper to counselor ratio, and in all the time I've lived here, I've never heard of an accident at that camp.
I know. It will probably be fine. But, as I said, i really don't trust other adults that much. One time, i was at Church and DD was in a different part of the church in an evening kids' Bible Study. I was in a classroom in another part of the church with a women's group. When i came out of the class, i found DD ALONE crying in the gym. The "teacher" let the class out and DD was young and didn't know where i was. And, she didnt' CARE enough to make sure my child was with anyone and just left. So, that is just one example.

Yeah, I get that. But the teacher probably just figured the parent was in the church (not that it excuses her). At camp, they are the ones completely responsible.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

LL you are a highly responsible person and a professional. Non professionals making minimum wage may not have your level of vigilance.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
LL you are a highly responsible person and a professional. Non professionals making minimum wage may not have your level of vigilance.

But, obviously, I'm not with my child all the time. I trust people to watch her every day.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
LL you are a highly responsible person and a professional. Non professionals making minimum wage may not have your level of vigilance.
But, obviously, I'm not with my child all the time. I trust people to watch her every day.

Yes. That's true. My biggest concern would be water and proper supervision.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
LL you are a highly responsible person and a professional. Non professionals making minimum wage may not have your level of vigilance.
But, obviously, I'm not with my child all the time. I trust people to watch her every day.
Yes. That's true. My biggest concern would be water and proper supervision.

Well, I wouldn't even consider it if she didn't know how to swim already. And yes, I know accidents can still happen.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

If you have reservations, then don't do it.

But if you can give a good answer to each of your questions, let her go.

Kids learn to be self sufficient and resilient with actual life experiences.

You said the camper to counselor ratio was low.

And you said the camp has a good record when it comes to accidents.

If the camp has a good reputation, it could be great for her.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Ok. Some 6 yr old dont know how to swim.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Trust your gut, LL.

It sounds like the camp has a good reputation.

And Baby J really wants to go.

She'd probably have a blast!

So, if she were mine, I'd let her go. smile

(Plus, if the camp thought six was too young for first time campers, they wouldn't even offer it. JMHO.)

Honeys_Mom · Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

LL, I can't speak as a mom BUT I CAN say I admire Baby J's confidence and I agree with FWM - if in your place, I would let her go, especially considering how close the camp is in proximity.

ed11563 · Guru

Being 20 minutes away only matters if you're going to be dropping in unannounced to make sure everything is okay.

Did you teach her that, as part of water safety,

before she goes in the water (pool or, especially a lake) she has to make sure a lifeguard or counselor is watching her?

I don't know if anyone tells their child how to do this.

I went to overnight camp (10 night) with the YMCA at age 9, that was their cut-off. Ages 9 to 13, then age 14 as a junior counselor.

There were "incidents" where campers and/or counselors were WAY TOO unsupervised.

I don't think anyone died.

You might ask the camp to arrange a "meet and greet" for the 6 year olds and their parents, a week or two before camp starts, so the kids can start out with "friends".

huskerbb · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
LL you are a highly responsible person and a professional. Non professionals making minimum wage may not have your level of vigilance.
But, obviously, I'm not with my child all the time. I trust people to watch her every day.

Exactly. Heck, many 6 year olds go to school. Do we keep them from that because we don't trust other adults? Absurd. And dont listen to any nonsense about teachers being trained to work with kids, blah, blah, blah... We have PLENTY of threads on horror stories about teachers and schools.

Tangerine · Guru

No way I would send Bunny to an overnight camp. He is, shall we say, high maintenance. We can hardly get anyone to babysit for the evening.
You know baby J. Is this the kind of thing she can handle?

I went to Girl Scout camp every summer. Sleep away camp starting at age 7, I think?
The only "irresponsible" thing that ever happened was that I once got left behind at the camp while everyone else went on a night hike. I was reading a book in a corner and didn't notice everyone leaving.
After I realized they were all gone I just kept reading my book and didn't say anything when they all came back. No one noticed.
I would probably be upset if something like that happened to my child, but nothing bad happened and I didn't want to go on that bike anyway.

FNW · Guru

Kids in France leave for overnight camp at age 2.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?

LL said it's only 3 days and nights.

That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers. smile

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.

I would sleep there each of the 3 nights! cry

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.
I would sleep there each of the 3 nights!

But doesn't that defeat the purpose?

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.
I would sleep there each of the 3 nights!
But doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Yes.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

DD11 went to this camp's day camp when she was 5 and loved it. We didn't do it again because the day camp's hours are not conducive to working parents. You can't drop off until 9 and have to pick up at 3:45.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

If she wants to go and you feel like the camp is safe then I would let her go.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.
I would sleep there each of the 3 nights!
But doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Yes.

You're gonna be the mom sitting her car up the street from her daughter's house at night till the lights are out, aren't you?

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

I sent my DD to sleep away camp the summer after first grade. It was a YMCA sponsored camp. She had an amazing time. I didn't think twice about it. She was eager to go and I sent her.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I didn't have the option of sending mine.

1. I couldn't afford it.

2. There wasn't any near here.

But I would have, if I was able.

NAOW · Vette's SS

No, I don't think I would. But I don't see a problem if you are comfortable with it for Baby J.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.
I would sleep there each of the 3 nights!
But doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Yes.
You're gonna be the mom sitting her car up the street from her daughter's house at night till the lights are out, aren't you?

Naaa. That would be past my bedtime. 6 is just so young. it's that age when the kid's can take separation bought some parent's can't. cry

FNW · Guru

I'm not sure there are sleep away camps around here. I never looked into it. I guess I would be more worried about one of them getting sick. It seems every time they spend the night at grandma's they come home sick. So we don't do that much anymore.

DemoniaD · Senior Member

I think as a mom the idea of my 6 year old at sleep away camp would be a rough one. If my kid really wanted to, and there was a reputable first timers camp in the area, I would probably agree. I would be a mess(on the inside), but I fostering that confidence and independence in my kid would be worth it.

huskerbb · Guru

I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
I know what to do_sometimes wrote:
I would have a hard time allowing my 6YO go to an overnight camp. She wouldn't have an issue though. Is there maybe a shorter stint at the camp? Or could you be a counselor? You know so you are there watching over her?
LL said it's only 3 days and nights.
That sounds reasonable, to me, for first time campers.
I would sleep there each of the 3 nights!
But doesn't that defeat the purpose?

Yes.
You're gonna be the mom sitting her car up the street from her daughter's house at night till the lights are out, aren't you?
Naaa. That would be past my bedtime. 6 is just so young. it's that age when the kid's can take separation bought some parent's can't.

I'd say it's much more likely the helicopter parent can't take the separation from the kid.

Ohfour · Hooker

Let me try this again....*sigh*

Having met baby J, I would not hesitate to send her to a short camp. I think she would love it and she would do well....just my .02 :)

huskerbb · Guru

I might even feel differently if the camp was several hours away--but at 15-20 minutes, if the child can't handle it, LL can easily get there if necessary.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

If you are absolutely comfortable, then go ahead and send her. It sounds like you don't have any reservations so she will no doubt have a great time.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I am very blessed to have 2 different sleep-away camps within 30 minutes of my house. Even when DD11 goes to camp, she's about 25 minutes away, and I have a friend that only lives 5 minutes away.

Tignanello · My dog name is, Sasha!

I was a YMCA camp counsellor for a lot of years, and a camper for a lot of years (I was legacy - my Dad was a camper/counsellor before me) my brother started going at 7 and I was 10, but they took 6 year olds for 1 week stints. At 9 you did 2 wks. And this was outdoor adventure camp. Hiking, canoeing, backpacking, sleeping outdoors. It was fine. Everyone survived. And learned to cook on camp stoves.

Cheerios4606 · Guru

Would I let my 6 year old go to sleepaway camp? Shucks, I am the mom that is asking her 11 yr old why he doesnt have a job and a plan to move out already! hahaha! Yea, I so would let my kid go. Prepare for a possible call in the middle of the night to come get crying kid, but yeah, I would be all over letting him go.

Bonny22Pye · Guru

I would let her go if you had a history with that camp and new the people running it.

chef · Guru

Let her go. You're close enough to the camp to go get her if needed. I bet she'll feel like a big girl if she gets to go.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

When I was six I went away to sleepover camp. For a whole week. My sister was on the other side of the camp with the "big girls" We were about two hours from my parents. The whole week I sobbed uncontrollably. I never wanted to go in the first place. They ended up taking me to my sister's tent at night so I would sleep. (She's older.) My sister couldn't wait to get away from our house and go to sleep away camp. She was begging to go. I do have to say that the next year I did fine at camp. I've always been one of those people that doesn't do change well. I think the second year when I knew what to expect it was much easier.

huskerbb · Guru

I think our kids were about that age when we first sent them to Camp Luther. They had a program for young kids like that.

-- Edited by huskerbb on Tuesday 16th of February 2016 02:59:18 PM

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

OK - we went to the open house on Saturday at the camp and Jojo loved it! They are also building a new dining hall that will be air conditioned - seems the camp is getting a little soft. wink

The "First Timers" will actually sleep in the lodge rather than the cabins, which is closer to the office and the nurse, and gives them a bathroom attached right to their room so they don't have to worry about late night trips to the bath house.

She loved it, and I signed her up. My baby is going to sleep-away camp. Oh boy. Sigh.

Lexxy · My dog name is Sasha, too!

She will have a blast & it sounds like they take good care of the first timers. Now the question is will you get any sleep while she's at camp?

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Lexxy wrote:
She will have a blast & it sounds like they take good care of the first timers. Now the question is will you get any sleep while she's at camp?

I can park my car outside the camp and sleep there, right?

Ohfour · Hooker

Lawyerlady wrote:
Lexxy wrote:
She will have a blast & it sounds like they take good care of the first timers. Now the question is will you get any sleep while she's at camp?
I can park my car outside the camp and sleep there, right?

NO!!!!!!! wink

Tinydancer · Guru

She'll have a great time and want to do it again next year so get ready...

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

She will have fun.

You need to be very busy while she is gone.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

It sounds like she'll have a blast, LL!

I'm glad you signed her up. smile

Honeys_Mom · Mod & Permanent Board Sweetheart

I bet DD is super excited!