Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Camp They Go - PART 1

Yesterday was a day of celebrations. It was Father's Day, Russell's birthday, and the day we dropped both kids off at camp! Yes, for parents, that is a celebration of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I honestly miss them already, but all of this...quiet. This silence. This free time. Wow.

CAMP SEAFARER FOR GIRLS
Arapahoe, NC

Charlotte's camp is run by the YMCA here in Raleigh, and is one of the most popular summer camps in the country. She has been there before on trips with her dad through the Y's Guides/Princesses program, but this is her first time as an official camper.

The camp is a three-hour drive away, and check-in started at 9 AM. So what do we do? We head out about 5:30 AM. I mean, if you are going to be in a bunk for 4 weeks, you might as well do all you can to claim a good one, right?

As as result, we were about 6 or 7 in line to enter camp (we arrived a bit early, big surprise).

Charlotte jumped out and asked me to take a pic to send Daddy (who was taking Anson to camp somewhere else). I'M HERE!

After check-in, which included lots of forms and a "head massage" (lice check), we were off to Cabin #1. Prime real estate, let me tell you. Look at that view of the Neuse River!

All of Charlotte's belongings for a month had to fit into this (very) rustic locker.

So, after telling you we were practically first in line (out of 500 campers), and first to her cabin, do you think she chose a good bunk? Well, we arrived to find that bunks are assigned, unlike her camp last year, so we could have SLEPT IN LATE!

Before long, her buddy Anna showed up. Anna went to preschool with Charlotte and now lives in Wilmington, NC, so this was a great opportunity for them to meet up again (they did Camp Kanata together last year, too). They are two of the most independent spirits I know!

While Anna's parents unpacked her, I followed the girls down to the water.

By now, Charlotte was ready to kick me to the curb. "Moooom, what are you still doing here?" I wanted to stay for the parents' lunch and boat ride, which started at 11. So we hung out on her bed for a awhile.

Finally it was time to hit the mess hall for lunch. Charlotte could barely eat anything she was so excited (plus anxious to get rid of me). She wouldn't even consider dealing with the boat ride. "Really? You ride in boats all the time. Aren't you ready to go?"

One last pic on the walk back to the cabin of the "pool," water slides, and zip line in the background.

Bye, Mom, I love you, but it's time for you to LEAVE.

Saw this on my way home. This girl's family was in her cabin. Reminded me of the cool experience she is going to have meeting girls from all over the country. Granted, there is a HUGE North Carolina population at this camp, but in her cabin alone, I met girls from Georgia, Arizona, and California.

Charlotte is 7 and going away to camp for 4 weeks. It's an old school philosophy there, with contact allowed only through letters--no care packages or phone calls or iAnythings. Charlotte begged for this long session, and will thrive in that environment.  But it's only been 24 hours and already I miss her big smile, impromptu dance routines, and sweet voice singing in the shower.