Summer Camp
Dear Frankie,
I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to overnight camp for the summer, so my dad suggested I go for a trial weekend. I don’t like being rushed. So, I was blown away when the camp counselor said we had thirty minutes for lunch, which involved lining up with a tray, deciding what to eat, which isn’t easy for me, finding a place to sit, eating, and clearing my plate.
The food was so loathsome, I only ate the bread and the dessert. By late afternoon, I was dehydrated and had a headache from the lack of nutrition.
In art class, choosing materials for my collage took a while. No sooner had I started working than the teacher said it was time to clean up.
I told my dad the camp was clueless about healthy eating practices and an environment that supported creativity and was not for me.
I was so relieved that I wasn’t going to camp, I didn’t think about what that would mean for spending a summer at home. Turns out my friends are either at camp or on vacation, so I don’t have anyone to play with. I also find watching TV and playing video games boring after a while.
I don’t regret not going to camp, but being alone and bored stinks.
Tilly
Dear Tilly,
Your decision about camp was based on what you didn’t want to do this summer. However, you didn’t think about how you wanted to spend your summer at home and who would be around to spend it with you.
This is an example of when leaving summer activities up to the universe may not have been the best option.
You seemed interested in working on the art project at camp. How about signing up for a studio class where you can work at your own pace? You will be spending time on an activity of interest and working with other students who may become friends.
Best, Frankie
© 2025 Geneva Woodruff
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