Camp

Regan spent a week of her summer at a local camp this year. It was her first true camp experience (not a gymnastics camp, etc), but real camp. To say she loved it, well that's an understatement. The week consisted of canoeing, hiking, new friends, camp songs and loads of lake swimming. It was a 4 day day-time program, and the week rounded out with an overnighter in a tent. 

A tent! (more on that later). 

Before the week's end, all of the parents/siblings were invited to a parent-program and picnic. 

So we loaded up the kiddos, grabbed Subway (along with the vast majority of the other families) and headed to camp. Lincoln tried finding his own fun during the hour long program by hopping on his wee sister like she was a pony. 

Each small group took a turn or two in front of the parents and lead some chants, did some skits or sang us songs. All of those strange words that Regan had been saying all week long each night were finally making more sense. 

And the "Calamine, Calamine, Calamine lotion" song....

yeah it just keeps going and going in my mind :( 

Eventually, it was time for us parents/siblings to head home, so the campers could have some fun, gather 'round the campfire (sing more silly songs) and sleep amongst the stars. 

Regan was over-the-moon excited about this night! 

I was a wreck...."would she be safe?", "what if she went for a sleep walk" (she's been known to descend her top bunk at home and wander downstairs---sleeping), and Ryan's favorite worry "what if someone steals her?". 

Alright, so I know, a bit ridiculous! I felt a whole lot better after getting to know some of the counselors and hearing from more experienced parents that the counselors actually stay awake all night long keeping watch. 

(lucky them)

And so she staked out her spot in the tent of 3 classmates from school and rolled out her sleeping bag. 

She was so ready for her tent experience. 

I was pretty sure these giggly girls were going to need a lot of direction to calm themselves down before bedtime. And I for one, was happy not to have that job! 

Turns out they slept somewhere between 6-7 hours, not bad for a night out in the tent. Most of all, they made memories and had a wonderful experience. Regan says that next year she wants to go to a week-long camp away from home. I think she's ready....I hope that I am! 

Yea for great camp experiences!