I know I’ve written a lot about my own experience as a parent this summer (and here I go again), but I am still genuinely amazed by how just two weeks at camp have impacted my 7-year-old. I know, I know. Of all people, I should know what camp truly does for kids, and I do, but seeing it firsthand is something different.
School is back in session for my rising second grader. We’re in a year-round school district (which is a whole other blog post in itself), so mornings at our house are back to pure chaos. I’m up getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door before dashing across the street to join our camp director’s morning meeting at 7:30 a.m.
While the daily morning cadence hasn’t gotten any smoother (we still struggle to brush teeth, comb hair, and get out of bed on time), the boy sitting in my car on the way to and from school is a completely different version of my son.
Last year, Hobbs would get into the car carrying a heavy weight of complaints about his day: No one would play with me on the playground… I didn’t get to finish my snack… I’m too tired. I’d listen patiently, putting into practice all the parenting books I consume in the off-season, and gently ask, “What did you decide to do about that?” or try to shift his focus by asking, “What was the best part of your day?”
Only to be met with a heavy sigh, an “I don’t know,” or total silence. Who knew a first grader could be so moody?
I’ll be honest: we really struggled through Kindergarten and First Grade. It was a genuine challenge for Hobbs, both academically and socially. As someone who firmly believes that challenges bring growth, it was still heartbreaking to watch my own child struggle. Even writing this now, I can feel myself getting emotional just remembering those heavy car rides home.
But something fundamentally shifted this summer.
We are back to loving school. Now, he gets into the car eager to tell me about the games he played with friends, how he worked extra hard to finish a tricky worksheet, or how he stood up for himself when he was misunderstood. The boy sitting in the backseat of my car is noticeably more confident. He’s always been outgoing and silly, but watching this newfound, resilient confidence bloom through challenge is something that warms my mama heart to its core.
The social and academic hurdles haven’t magically disappeared; first grade was hard, and second grade brings its own new challenges. But those hurdles are now being met by a boy who knows he can do hard things. He knows he can not only survive, but truly thrive – even when Mom and Dad aren’t there to smooth out the road for him.
I know I’m not the only parent noticing these quiet shifts after camp. Now, our shared job as parents is to keep that momentum going! Help remind them of what they accomplished at camp whenever a new challenge pops up at home. Feel free to refer to my favorite opening campfire speech, Warrior vs Worrier.
Beware, you may receive an eye roll from your camper when you bring it up, but I know it will hit home just the same. Here’s to a great school year ahead, and to watching our kids tackle new challenges with their newfound camp confidence.
