Greetings to the parents of Altitude and Jr. High Core Campers! I am hoping that everyone had a smooth check in experience yesterday and is looking forward to seeing pictures of their campers on the website. I think your campers are in for a great week at Asbury Hills. If I can answer any questions, help check on your camper, or do anything to help your experience as a parent getting used to a week without children please let me know. That's why we're here! My children will be going for their week of camp next week and are more than thrilled about leaving their parents and siblings behind for a week!
According to the schedules, Tuesday is going to be a big night at Asbury Hills. The Altitude campers will be exploring Dupont State Forest for an exploration of high places and waterfalls. And in general, it's going to be a big camp out night. Hopefully you'll see some really great pictures.
If any of you have gone to camp as a kid you can certainly remember how important mail time is in the day of a camper. It hasn't changed. Take advantage of the emailing system they have. It's so easy just to go on line and send them an email. It's delivered to your camper the same way mail would. Keep in mind, however, not to make the letter too "mushy". It's been my experience as one of the people who gets to see the most homesick campers, that mail time is also a key time that kids start to feel a little sad for home. Make sure your messages to them are always up beat, tell them funny stories about their pets or siblings. Tell them you miss them but don't make it sound like you're pining for them to come home. It's amazing the responsibility kids take on themselves. If your child tends to get homesick, this might be a great excuse for them to feel they need to go home. "My parents need me." Also, on the crazy chance that their is a very serious, sad thing that happens while they're gone, i.e. a pet dies, or someone in the family get hurt pretty badly, if you want your camper to stay at camp, please don't tell them these kinds of things in your letters. This also will lead to some panic. Call the camp office if something like this happens and talk to the Camp Director. They can then personally relay any information the two of you decided appropriate.
Hopefully you find some of this info helpful. Let me know if you have any questions I can answer. I attempt to visit camp each week to give updates on the activities I observe going on in addition to blogging throughout the week.
Share your experiences here! I'd love to hear them!
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I brought my 12 year old for his SIXTH, yes SIXTH year at Asbury Hills. He started as a rising second grader in what is now called "Express" camp in the lodge, and now is a seriously experienced and enthusiastic camper. I knew when I picked him up on Tuesday that first year and he begged to stay, that Asbury Hills was the best place for him to be. He goes to boy scout camp every year too, but Asbury Hills is by far his favorite.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year that my boys have been separated at camp...my oldest can't go this year because of all his other summer obligations, including Salkehatchie, and he's going to miss it! and my younger son is going next week...so this is his first time "alone" at Asbury Hills. I have no hesitation though, it is a wonderful experience all the way around and he has a wonderful time there.
Thank you all for making Asbury Hills the amazing place it is, and a place for our children to learn about God in a FUN and MEANINGFUL way!
Wow! 6 years in a row! That truly does say something for Asbury Hills. This will be our first year there. My son didn't want the Express Camp. He wanted to go "full throttle" and just go for it. It's his first resident camp experience. Where I'm biting my nails for him, he's just super excited and totally ready. His older sister is in a similar age range so she's going the same week. I think it will be interesting to see how they cope with each other being there at the same time...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate hearing how positive of an experience you have had so far. I have a feeling my kids are going to be similar to yours and not want to come home at the end of the week!
Thanks for sharing!