Letting Go
My firstborn is off to camp today. It’s not the first camp he’s been on. But I find it doesn’t get any easier to let them go. This time they’re travelling 500km away. It seems so FAR if something were to happen.
Still, it’s an important part of growing up and I’m thankful that Lleyton doesn’t seem to suffer from homesickness or anxiety over being away from us.
No doubt he’ll have a ball!
They’re staying at an Adventure Campsite with flying fox, rock climbing and an obstacle course. They’re doing visits to Monarto Zoo, the Aquatics Centre, an Aami stadium tour (which obviously he’ll LOVE), Museum and who knows what else. All the things that aren’t accessible from here in a simple day time excursion.
We have a fabulous Deputy Principal at our school who is particularly enthusiastic about this kind of stuff. He’s particularly lucky because this is really a “year 7″ camp and he’s a year 6 in the 6/7 camp. Chances are he’ll get to go again next year (or somewhere similar).
And they were able to get funding so the camp has cost us $122.50 which is amazing for what they’re getting and the distance they have to travel.
Farmboy and I are heading away this week as well so I guess we’ll hardly even notice his absence (and as it turns out, we’ll be a little closer if something does happen - so he’s not going to be as far away from us for the WHOLE time he’s away).
Still, my little boy is GROWING UP! *sob* He’s even getting to the stage where he’d rather not have hugs and kisses (although I still kind of insist because I think it’s important).
I don’t even want to THINK about the day when he might leave home!
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That’s what the teenage years are for I beleive. You get so frustrated with them, stressed out over them, angry with them, that you almost look forward to them leaving!
Well, that’s the theory anyway. I can’t see that being the case with you! Or me for that matter.
I remember that feeling so well. Oh wait I still get it, even though my youngest is now 6′3″ …
Give them roots and wings …..to fly.
Easier said than done.
God bless your son’s journey and his safe return to his Mum.
Sharon - ROFLOL. Is that a bit like the youngest kids are determined to be the youngest by their actions? I’m sure it’s not just MY youngest!!!
Sarah Lulu - Thank you. You’re right, it is a part of our job to give them wings and let them fly. From the day they leave the womb it’s a process of letting go isn’t it? It just doesn’t get any easier so it seems.
My kids know that adventure campsite very well!! I think between the 2 of them they have been there 5 times and absolutely loved it. (there is a good reason why they say to take only old clothes and shoes - I think several things went straight in the bin one time) One very highly sort after camp site!!
Boof went on his first overnight camp at age 6. Granted, he was nearly seven and it was after he’d skipped a grade (meaning most of the other kids were 7-turning-8) but I was FUH-reaking out.
Jay and Moo both have camps coming up in Term 2 - one costs $143, the other $80. Jay (autistic) went with Daddy as chaperone to a camp last year and loved it, so we’ll do it again - but this time, both are two nights. Moo isn’t quite 7½ yet, quite young I think for a two-nighter. Mum might be volunteering for that one!
I forget - whereabouts in SA are you again? Monarto is cool and of course I’m partial to anything in Adelaide
Cheers,
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieshome.blogspot.com