I thought that camp would be a great way to broaden his horizons a bit. Ethan strives from fun, engaging activities with other children. Since he stays home with me, I wanted to give him an opportunity to do something different- and at the same time be good for his social development. I also thought that since he is going to preschool in September, this would give us a good idea of how things were going to go- and a great way to practice.
A few days before camp began, we had been talking to Ethan about it. He did not show any signs of being nervous, and talked about it constantly. He was really excited. We practiced the night before with his backpack-
The next morning went very smoothly. I had packed E's backpack the night before. He got up, ate breakfast, I showered, and off we went. Surprisingly, I wasn't feeling nervous. I was trying to stay up beat for Ethan so that he wouldn't detect that mommy was feeling a bit un-easy. There is a carpool line at camp for drop off, and pick up. Of course on the first day I was going to walk him in. So, we parked the car, and made our way into camp.
As I watched him walk up the side walk with his backpack on, it was like instant flash forward 3 years to kindergarten. As I felt tears start to make their way, I quickly thanked God that I had 3 more years. And that thought was quickly dismissed.
I asked one of the counselors to take a picture of us. I was not ready to go, but I knew the longer I stuck around, the worse it would be.
Ethan did awesome. Not one tear. He quickly found some Lego's to play with after we said our goodbyes. After a quick "If you do anything to mess up my child I'll kill you" speech with the counselor I was off. NO- just kidding! I was nice! :) Again, I felt comfortable leaving him there with such amazing people...it's just hard no matter what. He's my baby and nothing will ever change that.
I hung out in the Y lobby for a few minutes and chatted with some friends before I decided it was time to go. It wasn't until the ride home- as I got further and further away from the Y that I started to feel emotional. My baby was old enough to go to camp? As a mother, the hardest thing to do is to let go. It's a struggle. I realized this is only the start of my "letting go's".
I found it hard to keep myself busy that morning without Ethan. I went to the grocery store without him- and of course at Harris Teeter I was reminded that we always get a sugar cookie together. I was constantly checking my phone to make sure they hadn't called me. I did my grocery shopping, some laundry, make a batch of chicken salad, a dozen chocolate chip muffins, and changed sheets on beds all within a couple of hours. Soon enough it was time to go pick him up- and I couldn't wait to hear all about his day.
First day of camp was a big success. Ethan had a blast. He was full of jibber jabber- telling me all about it. He got great reports, and I was so happy.
Every day thereafter he became more and more excited about camp- and each day I picked him up I enjoyed hearing all about it.
Each week of camp has a different theme. This week was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
Every Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday. They encourage each child to wear their favorite shirt or outfit that goes along with the theme. Of course, Ethan had a truck shirt ready to wear. After a great Wacky Wednesday- we decided to celebrate with lunch at Chickfila.
Friday was water day and family day. On Friday's you send your child to camp in their swim suit. The first activity for the day is water play. They have all sorts of fun water games for the little ones. They finish the week with family day. The parents gathered for a parade put on by the campers and their counselors. Since this week was a automobile themed week they did a parade to the song "Ride the Train" and the little ones carried box cut outs of train box cars. Afterward there was all sorts of activities for the families to participate in- arts and crafts, bean bag toss, obstacle course, ect. It was very well thought out.
In case you are wondering the type of activities the kids do while at camp...well here you go...
Side walk chalk & bubbles
Story time
Singing songs & dancing
Arts & crafts (always with the theme)
Open gym time (balls, parachutes, ect)
Snack time
Water play
Music time (with instruments)
And much more!
Every day there is a camper of the day. The camper of the day receives this title for doing something extra special. For example, if a camper shows "honesty" or "respect" he or she could be named camper of the day. I love this. What a great way to learn about such important traits.
At the beginning of the week, you receive a YMCA hat for your child to use during that week. Each day, they get a "tag" on their hat for participation in each days activities. For example, Ethan got a little puff ball glued to the top of his hat on Wednesday for dressing up for Wacky Wednesday.
Since I couldn't be there to take pictures of Ethan participating in activities, I LOVE that the Y staff take pictures for you!!! There is a closed facebook page just for wee camp members and they post pictures of each days activities! Whoever thought up that idea was a genius.
So, here are some snap shots of the week...
This is Harper, one of Ethan's good friends from the Y. They loved going to camp together!
Ethan is smack in the middle in the bright orange shirt with his hands raised in the air! Obviously having a good time!
They made traffic lights this week to go with the theme.
What a great week we had!!! They Y has been such a blessing in our lives! We are so glad to be apart of such an amazing place for the past 2 and a half years. A big thank you to all the staff who make this possible and all of their hard work.
We have already signed up for another week of Wee Camp and Ethan can't wait!
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