The telltale signs of Summer drawing to its close are sadly starting show.  The CNE has kicked off, the realization that the Jays won’t make playoffs has formally sunk in, back to school, Halloween and Christmas decorations have all popped up in stores at the same time, and the thoughts of a ‘return to routine’ have washed over parents as they map out the final logistical plans for the last week of camp.  For those not familiar with coordinating a summer schedule – it would be easier to plan an Ocean’s 11-style heist than it is to try and figure out how to get everyone in the family to and fro on time.  That said, while I did contribute at least some effort in the execution of the plan, I can’t honestly sit here and claim that I am responsible for any of the actual mapping out of the plan in our household; that mantle goes to my incredibly organized and prepared partner, and I can’t thank or appreciate her enough for it.

I admittedly don’t recall the chaos of summer camps when I was the age my kids are today.  I know we attended camps, and I have both fond and complicated memories of them – some were amazing and I cherish the experiences I had, while others were unfortunately tainted by a poor group of councillors who leaned on hazing, teasing and shaming as a means of amusing themselves and other nearby campers.  Fortunately those negative experiences were limited to a specific and minority group of camp staff that I gratefully never had to see again.   All in all, camp holds fantastic memories filled with exploration, crafts, games, overnight adventures, candy, and, well: fun!  What I am only now appreciating is just how much my Mom and Dad would have put in to make those lifelong memories happen; not just in the planning and execution of it all, but camps aren’t cheap!  As I have done so many times throughout the two years I’ve maintained this blog and the realizations that have come along with it –  I need to thank my parents for everything they did to make these things happen for my brother and I.  So, thank you!

My own memories and experiences aside, this past week I’ve been up to bat for dropping off and picking up Nora from her most recent summer experience, which was an outdoor climbing camp put on by The Grotto in Guelph.  This camp was unique in the sense that every day was at a different location, which of course added complexity, but more than that it added intrigue.  Day one was straight forward enough, as it took place at their gym, where kids would play around and get to know each other, but after that they spent a day at a scout camp, hiking through forests and creeks, a day in the fields and meadows of another nearby day camp, learning high ropes skills and archery.  On the fourth day it was off to Rattlesnake Point, a place that holds dear memories for me, for outdoor lead climbing, followed by a final day at Hilton Falls – hiking, touring waterfalls and roasting mid-day s’mores.   Every day I would drop her off on my way to work and, as I would drive down the classically set bumpy and winding dirt roads and under the archways of that particular locations namesake, I couldn’t help but feel the wonder and joy fill up inside me to want to ditch work and join in.  If only I could cast aside all responsibility and go play in the creek with my daughter, catching crayfish and climbing trees.  Everything about what she was going to experience made me equal parts excited and jealous.  Hmmmm, maybe I should start a summer camp…I do need a new project.

As a parent going through these things now, I do wonder how much has changed since I was 8-years old, or even more recently than then.  With operating hours of 9-4, I don’t rightfully understand how most people were able to swing that before the whole notion of working form home became a staple of our society.  Aside from the workplace structure, I think the very environment around us has changed so much in ways that make things more difficult as well.  I remember being able to bike or walk to so many different places on my own at a young age, which is something that likely wouldn’t fly in today’s world.  Our streets are busier, and with all of the distractions we’ve introduced in our lives, the people inhabiting them aren’t paying attention as much.  Access to news and information has instilled a fear in us, preventing much of the exploration we once felt carefree to do.  And then there’s the judgment and opinions of others that steer our decisions more than it should; we let our kids walk to the library, which is far closer and safer than any journey I would have taken as a child, and yet many people don’t shy away from letting us know how they feel about that.  The truth is though: the world is filled with far more good than evil; we just don’t give it the attention it deserves.

Ramblings and opinions aside…

Yes, summer holds a lot of memories, mostly involving riding my bike, and adventuring through forests, but my days at camp are fond,  and while the orchestration of all these experiences is challenging, and the planning, registration and calendar marking all happens in Winter, and always catches us off guard, it’s all so totally worth it.  Whether it’s outdoor climbing, dance and gymnastics, theatre, art, math, chess, or any other of the countless options that exists, summer camp can be a magical place to forge friendships, memories and skills at any age (another argument for me starting a camp of my own).  Yes, it results in kids that are tired, cranky, and struggle to get out of bed, but once they’re in it, they’re in it,  I only hope they get to hang on to the memories in the wonderful ways that I have.

Camp Beandricks.  Yeah, I think that works.