Sarah Goes To Camp

Sarah went to her first overnight summer camp on Wednesday, the 18th. It was a four day, three night stay up in Live Oak, in the heart of the Suwannee Valley. We packed according to the camp checklist: two towels, two sheets, a blanket, toiletries, disposable camera, one-piece bathing suits, CHECK!, lots of shorts, lots of T-shirts (no tanktops),CHECK!, sunscreen, bugspray, name on everything, CHECK! I took her by myself (Shawn took a nap with William and the two little girls played) on the two hour trip north. On the way, I gave her the usual motherly lectures about not taking pills or "mints" from anyone, never drink anything that wasn't with you the whole time, stay with your counselors, don't share your hair brush, etc... Sarah possesses a self-confidence that is astonishing for her age. She was barely nervous, and so excited she could hardly sit still. She watched every sign between here and there for how much farther to go. We registered, found her cabin, and made her bunk. The counselors said it was time for the swim test, to which Sarah said, "Oh, no sweat!" (Not just a little bit of Daddy in that kid!) Within thirty minutes of arrival, I felt it was time to head home. I said, "Be good, be safe, have fun!" She said in a super-proud voice, "I Will!" And she did.

Sarah and Ariel explore their cabin before heading out to the swim test.

Sarah shows off her bunk, bottom left. A girl named Leah on top left, a girl named Reaghan on top right, and Ariel on bottom right.

Cabin Rutledge, each cabin named for a prior Bishop of the Episcopal Diocease of Florida.

All in all it was a wonderful experience for her. The only gripe she had was the food, yucky pizza, yucky spaghetti (and that from the spaghetti queen!), and pretty good hamburgers. Yucky grits, yucky french toast, and yucky scrambled eggs. Good thing Momma packed her some juice pouches, crackers, and Skittles. Mmhmm. Sarah had a great time, she just wished she could've stayed a week. She definitely wasn't ready when the family came to pick her up on Saturday. Next year she'll be going into fifth grade so she will get the week-long camp. She'll be thrilled, I'll be cryin'. Waaaaaaaah... I'm glad she had such a great time, I'm even more thrilled that she's home. Well, first kid off to camp, CHECK!