After a late Sunday evening phone call to tell us there had been a cancellation and an unexpected opening at the 'How the West Was Fun" camp...I spent several hours frantically packing and filling out paperwork. I got up at 4:30 am and had both kids plus luggage, shower shoes, water shoes, SASE for letters home, pjs, 6 sets of clothes, towels, washcloths, plate, cup, utensiles,water bottle, day pack, sleeping bag, pillow, favorite stuffed animal and a gas-tank full of gas in the Van by 6 am. We were taking an unexpected trip to Eastern Carolina territory. We arrived at our destination by 9:45 am after several stops along the way. We checked in, had a quick health check, left money and got back in the car. There was immediate wailing, tears, clinging and gnashing of teeth...Emily was a little sad too.
Is seven too young for a week away from home for an overnight camp? My lurching heart screams, "YESSSSS!!!". One of her giggly best friends who is sleeping in the bunk at her feet says, "No".... and grown up brave girl that she is, Emily said, "If I get homesick, at least ____ and I will be together". In the forefront of her mind is all the canoeing, archery, swimming, crafts and dinner around the campfire.
I really didn't expect that she was going....hadn't prepared my heart for her going...she was the first girl on the wait list for months. I'd done my part and registered her after her father and I agreed that she could go. I did a happy dance that she was on the wait list....I got to be the hero because I'd tried to sign her up...I felt sure it was a done deal and she wouldn't get in.
Seven may be too young...or maybe not...but so far, no call begging me to come and get her has occurred. And I stayed close to the camp with my friend in Greenville until late today so that I wouldn't have to drive far when they called me that she had freaked out and wanted to come home...
maybe they'll call tomorrow...
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