I just spent another absolutely wonderful weekend at camp, and have to admit that I'm a little sad to be home. Camp this weekend was just what the doctor ordered. I got to spend some time with some amazing kiddos (and young adults), enjoy the beautiful weather, meet new people, and take a little break from the outside world (Dear Sprint, when will you get signal out there?). I'm coming back exhausted from all the fun, but also refreshed and ready for this week.
This weekend I had a new camper, who was too fun! He was a teenager, which was a big change from my 9-year-old little friend from before. Being in the "oldest boys" cabin sure was an experience! It was my new friend's first time and camp so mom & dad were really nervous, but we had an amazing time! My buddy was up for trying all of the activities at least once, and he LOVED canoeing. Even when I crashed us into the bushes along the bank. Oops! He made me smile all weekend, even after the 70th time he asked me "pancakes, eggs?" Yes friend, they're cooking them and then we will eat. Promise.
When it was time to do the high ropes, I wasn't sure if my camper was going to be interested or not. When he saw the cool "elevator" that hoists the friends who can't climb the rock wall up to the top of the zip line, he got so excited! So, we got him strapped into all of the harnesses, buckled into the sling, and away he went to the top of the 30ft. (or so..) platform. Once he was up there though, I think he realized what he had gotten himself into and got scared. He refused to walk toward the edge so they could hook him to the zip line, and stood there screaming "NO" so loud they could probably hear him on the other side of camp. I was down on the ground cheering him on, but feeling absolutely helpless. Knowing that my camper was up there scared and there was nothing I could do to help was the worst feeling, and my heart hurt so bad. All I wanted to do was climb up there and make it okay. I can't imagine how it feels when you're a parent and your child is hurting... wow. Eventually my buddy got hooked on the zipline and came sailing down, and I was oh so proud I wanted to cry! I'm not sure he will ever do the ropes course again, but boy was he brave that day. :) My old camper was brave at camp too, and he tried canoeing for the first time. I was so proud of my boys. If they can be brave, so can I.
The look on my camper's parents face when they found out that he had fun at camp and there were no major meltdowns was priceless. It makes everything we do at camp completely worth it. To know that the parents had a safe place to send their baby, and got some rest over the weekend, I can't even explain it. My camper's parents were so sweet and brought me a bottle of wine from the winery they visited while they were in Brenham. His mom said "we thought you might need this after this weekend." Too cute, but really, I loved hanging out with their son. He reminded me of an adult I know with autism. I can just imagine him being like my camper at age 12. They even look similar!
I ended the weekend enjoying the beautiful weather oustide today and catching up with a friend. Perfect ending. Now if only I could bottle this "camp high"!
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