Fall is a time of gathering together, a time that offers a distinctly
different air of renewal and attention to work. As it turns out,
the work of our children is growth—intellectual, spiritual,
and physical. And it only takes our close and daily observations
to note the tremendous energy they devote to their studies, their
activities in sports or the arts, their religious communities,
and their friendships. At times, their tirelessness is daunting—as
they pursue so many paths for the first time or deepen their
knowledge and participation in their burgeoning interests. It's
a season of firsts, too—bus rides, new teachers, and friends,
and new challenges that are spoken and unspoken every single
day. It's a time when parents are called upon to keep the
confidence level up, to encourage, and to work alongside their
children.
If your child had the opportunity to experience camp last summer,
then you will, no doubt, hear echoes of those moments through
these days—new confidence, friendships—memories that
strengthen them as we all find ourselves, even our children,
wishing for more time. Preserving those milestones of growth
and recalling those experiences is a great way to shore up a
child's reservoir of positive memory. Staying in touch
with their camp friends and staff is another way to ensure that
the gains made over the summer make a lasting impact and help
your child sustain a positive attitude and high enthusiasm about
what's ahead.
I remember vividly when I realized that my own son Dayton had
learned incredibly valuable life lessons at camp while playing,
of all things, extreme Frisbee—lessons in enthusiasm and
cooperation—friends cheering friends on, everyone pushing
their physical limits, everyone sharing laughter and effort and
exhaustion—and how this camp experience translated into
an awareness that he could apply this same passion and teamwork
to his school sports or academics. Recognizing the real transformative
moments that occur each step of the way and realigning my role
as 'mom' with this growing and developing young man
are great challenges for a parent—but experiencing the
growing adult in your child is truly one of a parent's
greatest joys. To share the exhilarating moments of discovery
and growth is something to celebrate—not to mourn. Judging
the right situations, the right level of support, the right level
of competitiveness and reward—yet capturing the overwhelming
moments of sheer joy and energy, too, is unforgettable. It's
all part of that delicate, almost magic-like balance we perform
as parents—being invisible and visible at the same moment.
In the next few months, your family will likely savor that 'just
imagine' time about what is around the corner and what the
next summer might be like. Including camp in your plans is a
perfect way to recognize the new and developing interests that
make your child's growth so exciting. Talking with your child
about how to make these memories permanent is what planning for
camp is all about.
Peg L.
Smith is the chief executive officer of the American
Camp Association.
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