Justin was invited by his friend Diego to go to camp...for a whole week! This was big for him. He has a history of not doing well away from home and in particular being away from me, but he really wanted to go. Diego had been telling him how much fun it was, so he was ready to spread his wings and accept the invitation. He went knowing that he would have no contact with me, was sleeping outside (not in a tent) and that we were leaving the day after he returned for our big road trip. As the camp neared, I would ask him "what if" questions..."what if you getting a tummy ache?", "what if you get home sick", "what if you get scared?" He always answered with "I will just have to suck it up!" He also said he knew the first night would be the hardest but that he was excited. All of his responses put me at ease, realizing that he really was ready to do this. I was excited and nervous for him.
Finally, the day had arrived and it was time to take him to Camp Woodmen at Gold Hollow Camp in Nevada City.
First, we needed to say our goodbyes. Sniff, sniff. Travis and Justin said they wouldn't miss him but isn't that what brothers are supposed to say?
Justin asked me to draw a heart on his hand so that when he was missing me he would look at it and know I was near. ❤️
We found Diego! Him and Justin explored camp together.
Every camper had to take a swim test to see whether they could swim in the leg and take the canoes out on their own. Justin passed easily! He said the water was cold!!
The boys slept on cots outside. Justin got his spot all set up. They had to walk up quite a hill to get to their deck.
A week passed....a very long week....I missed Justin a lot!! I was worried about him, hoping he was sleeping ok and was having fun. I was so excited when it was time to pick him up.
When I picked him up, he was happy, he was tired and he had fun, a lot of fun! He said the skies were "gorgeous" at night and that he saw many shooting stars. He hiked to a waterfall and even got to slide down part of the fall, which he said was one of his favorite activities. He did lots of arts and crafts, flag football, whiffle ball and skits. He had box car races and frog races and took the canoe out on the lake. He went to camp dances and carnivals. He made lots of new friends and loved his camp counselor (16 year old Riley), who apparently had just two rules...take a shower every day and "if your going to do anything your not supposed to do, come see me first and I will help you get away with it." Haha. Riley also challenged his boys to ask a girl to dance at the first dance and he would buy sodas all week for those who did! Of course, Justin accepted that challenge and was a hit on the dance floor, which is where he met Grace, whom he now has a crush on.😃
I think it's safe to say that Camp was a success! He had a great time and has asked to go back again next year.
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