The bags are packed, the forms are signed, and just like that—your child is off to sleepaway camp! After all the organizing, labeling, and reassuring hugs, the house suddenly feels… quiet. Too quiet. So, now what?
First, give yourself some credit. You got them to this milestone! Sleepaway camp is a big deal, and helping your child get there took time, patience, and love. Now it’s your time—to rest, reset, and maybe even have a little fun.
Take a moment to rediscover the things that bring you joy. Read a book you’ve been meaning to finish. Watch your favorite shows without anyone interrupting you for snacks or screen-time negotiations. This is a rare, golden personal time—use it well!
Reconnect with your adult world. Plan a date night with your partner or go out with friends for a dinner that doesn’t involve chicken nuggets. Invite someone over for coffee and conversation. It’s amazing what uninterrupted adult time can do for your spirit.
Been meaning to tackle a home project? Now’s your chance. Clean out a closet, start a new hobby, or finally sort through those photos you’ve been meaning to organize. Even the smallest accomplishments can feel so rewarding when you have the space to focus.
Don’t forget to get outside! Go for a walk, try a new workout, or just sit in the sunshine with a cool drink and no schedule to worry about.
Of course, you might also feel a little emotional. That’s totally normal. It’s okay to miss your child and enjoy this time. You’re not just a parent—you’re a whole person, too.
And when camp ends? Plan a sweet welcome-back moment. A favorite meal, a handwritten note, or just a big hug can make home feel extra special again.
This is a unique little window in your parenting journey. Embrace it—you deserve every moment. Camp is also for you!
Spring break season is wrapping up, which means summer is around the corner! For many parents of teens, all of the “togetherness” over spring break can bring worry (or is it dread?) over having their teen home all summer with not enough to do. Jobs are wonderful but hard to come by, and they still leave too much time for hanging around and endless scrolling. Thankfully, there are so many incredible, overnight options for teens that fit every interest, passion, and schedule.
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Secondly, there is a level of comfort in a brother/sister camp that makes for a great benefit. Sometimes one sibling is more hesitant to venture off to camp, while the other is counting down the days. In this situation, it is comforting to know siblings have each other. If there is a bit of typical homesickness in the beginning, the directors can arrange for siblings to see each other. This situation was what my daughter experienced at camp during her second year. Even though she attended camp the previous summer, she was bit homesick at the beginning of her second summer. Luckily, my daughter was able to connect with her younger brother after dinners. This small moment of togetherness helped her quickly overcome her homesickness and instead became immersed in her side of camp. Furthermore, there is a deeper connection and bond that can occur between siblings when at a brother/sister camp. Although each child will inevitably have their own unique experience, they also will bond over shared specialty counselors and evening events. My son and daughter each came home rattling off their favorite meals, comparing favorite counselors, and competing over who swam the most laps for SCOPE, their camp charity event.
There is a sign that hangs in our summer cottage that reads, “If you get lost, come straight back to camp.” The quote is attributed to L.L. Bean, who posted this directive on the wall of his own hunting camp in Northern Maine in the early 1900s. I am reminded of it as the kids go back to school and the memories of camp slowly begin to be replaced by classes, sports commitments, and the rhythms of the fall schedule.
