summer camp

Camp Europe

School is out and the boys aren't at camp.

I know a few things: The boys don't really love camp – especially Maxon, who requested a camp-free summer. Neither want overnight camp, and we're in no hurry to send them (yes I'm sure we're Jewish). Ezra enjoys a sports-specialized week here and there, but they don't dig on the general day camp, which makes paying for it especially painful. For the past few years I've scheduled, coordinated and chauffeured week-long camps for each kid during the months of June and July, and found that there isn't enough Xanax in the tri-state area to make that tolerable.

Bucket Woman's Sons Aren't Going To Overnight Camp

I recently read a friend's post on Facebook describing how this time of year brings her the greatest memories of her childhood, spent in overnight camp. Camp friends are tagged and hashtagged sentences hold hands, all cheering for the best summers ever.

I hear twin sentiments from some of my girlfriends who are currently occupied with labeling clothing, buying the right shower caddies and acquiring an overabundance of Nike socks. In less than a week, many will be seeing their kids off to overnight camp – some for their second or third summer. They hope for lessons in independence, overcoming challenges unparented and making those unbreakable lifelong friendships. 

Test Driving Overnight Camp

This past weekend, my son's 4th grade Hebrew school class went on an overnight retreat at Camp Harlam, the Reform Jewish sleepover camp. It was Maxon's first time at an overnight camp and I was curious to see if he might like to spend part of his summer there.