Dear New Camp Mom,
You’re probably sitting there wondering if you should sign your kid up for camp. You’re worried. You’re nervous.
They’re too young. They won’t make any friends. They’ll be scared. You’re scared. They’ll get homesick. What if they don’t like it? What if they need you and you’re not there?
I know those thoughts, because I’ve had them too.
There is something deeply vulnerable about sending your child away for the first time. You’re used to being the one who knows what they’re feeling just by the look on their face. You’re the one who reminds them to brush their teeth, who double-checks the sunscreen. Letting someone else step into that space, even for a week, feels big.
But here’s what I’ve learned.
For every nerve-wracking new thing they’re trying, they’re not at home on a tablet or staring at a screen. They’re outside. They’re running to the next activity, next party, next trail ride.
Every new friend they meet, every activity they try, every time they choose courage over comfort, it builds something in them.
And yes, they’ll have fun. So much fun. But it’s more than that.
They gather for Bible study. They ask questions you didn’t even know were on their minds. They hear truth spoken in a way that meets them at their age level. They see counselors who don’t just talk about faith, but live it out in patience, kindness, and joy all week long.
Faith stops being something they hear about from you and starts becoming something they begin to own for themselves.
You’re probably wondering who’s going to look out for them? Who’s going to make sure they’re included? Who’s going to notice if they’re quiet or need encouragement?
The answer is counselors who chose to be there. These are young adults who gave up their summer to invest in kids. They sit on cabin floors and talk about real life. They pray with campers at night. They notice the kid hanging back and pull them in. They celebrate the small wins. They make sure no one feels invisible.
Your child will not be alone. They may get homesick. You might tear up after drop-off. That’s normal. But what usually happens is this: they get busy. Busy climbing, swimming, riding the go-carts, playing ridiculous camp games, singing loud songs, and building new friendships that feel huge at that age. And somewhere in that week, something shifts.
They realize they can try something new.
They can talk about faith in their own words.
They can be brave without you standing right beside them.
Fair warning: when they come home from camp they’re probably going to be a little smelly and singing some camp songs (Morning Camp Party is So Fun!), and telling you about Pig and Bass (I’m honestly still not sure what this is) and telling you about how they had a crazy awesome time on the tube with their new friends or riding their horse. And tucked in between all of that, there will be a memory verse and a truth they’re still thinking about.
And when you pick them up, and they come running toward you, sunburned, exhausted, and grinning from ear to ear, you’ll be so glad you said yes.
Sincerely, Old Camp Mom (aka, Abby Smith)
