This summer our kids had the opportunity to spend fourteen days at Camp Stein (a Jewish overnight camp) in Prescott, Arizona. This was the first time our kids had ever spent that long away from home without us. Both feelings of excitement and apprehension waved through all of our minds. But the kids really wanted to attend, so we supported this summer adventure and completed the registration process.
On opening day after getting through the check-in process, the kids quickly made friends with their camp counselor and bunkmates. When it came time to load onto the bus, neither of our kids, shed a tear nor did they really want to hug goodbye. Instead, they quickly ran to the bus and jumped in, excited get seated next to their new friends for the hour and half ride to camp. As a parent, I wanted to embrace this new level of childhood independence, but I was a little sad that my kids are growing up and no longer need me in the same way.
While at camp, their daily activities or also known as Chugim consisted of horseback riding, swimming, archery, ceramics, arts and crafts, yoga, dancing, hiking, a zipline and a variety of sports including tennis, frisbee golf, soccer, basketball and more. At night, there were even more activities. Actually, our kids remained so active and busy during their time at camp that they didn't even really have time (or the desire) to write letters home. Luckily, the camp posted pictures daily on their website, so the parents could get a glimpse of all of the fun the kids were having.
In the end, I am so glad that we sent them to sleep-away camp this past summer. This experience allowed them both to grow and develop just slightly into a more responsible, nature-loving, and social little humans. And the best part, they loved every minute of it. In fact, they declared, as they walked off of their return bus, that they want to spend a whole month at camp next summer. I guess we will have to see if their wish comes true...
On opening day after getting through the check-in process, the kids quickly made friends with their camp counselor and bunkmates. When it came time to load onto the bus, neither of our kids, shed a tear nor did they really want to hug goodbye. Instead, they quickly ran to the bus and jumped in, excited get seated next to their new friends for the hour and half ride to camp. As a parent, I wanted to embrace this new level of childhood independence, but I was a little sad that my kids are growing up and no longer need me in the same way.
While at camp, their daily activities or also known as Chugim consisted of horseback riding, swimming, archery, ceramics, arts and crafts, yoga, dancing, hiking, a zipline and a variety of sports including tennis, frisbee golf, soccer, basketball and more. At night, there were even more activities. Actually, our kids remained so active and busy during their time at camp that they didn't even really have time (or the desire) to write letters home. Luckily, the camp posted pictures daily on their website, so the parents could get a glimpse of all of the fun the kids were having.
In the end, I am so glad that we sent them to sleep-away camp this past summer. This experience allowed them both to grow and develop just slightly into a more responsible, nature-loving, and social little humans. And the best part, they loved every minute of it. In fact, they declared, as they walked off of their return bus, that they want to spend a whole month at camp next summer. I guess we will have to see if their wish comes true...
Pictures from our Visit to Camp Stein in March 2018:
A mural in the dining hall
Graffiti Building Art
Inside the Bunk Houses
The sports field
Shabbat under the Stars
The kids monkeying around
Pictures from Camp Stein Opening Day/Drop-off Day:
Donuts before drop-off
Madi with her Camp Counselor (Adi)
Some of Madi's Bunkmates
Aiden with his Camp Counselor (Jacob)
Some of Aiden's Bunkmates
Off they go ....
Cabin Photos:
Daily activities at Camp:
Zipline time
Swimming
Tennis
Horseback Riding
Dance
Ceramics
Tending the garden
Night Time Activities at Camp:
Shabbat at Camp:
Special Visitors at Camp -- Rabbi Schneider from Temple Kol Ami:
Arriving Home from Camp:
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