Camp Elkgrove

On paper, it promises to be a lot of “fun with planned activities, helping out in the kitchen, playing games, learning about the environment and meeting new friends”.

It further promises that the kids are “going to be so tired by bed time that they forget about being away from home”.

However, it doesn’t tell the parents how to ease their anxiety or hold back tears. Furthermore, it doesn’t tell the parents how to have a “fun” weekend without the kids. It’s amazing how we forget that we were once married without kids.

So this is the weekend that my 5 year old has gone camping with her Sparks unit of the Girl Guides of Canada.

I have to admit, the decision to send Isabella on the camping trip was a lot easier than actually waving goodbye to her at the site.

Karm’s worries: Is Isabella going to be cold? Did she have enough food to eat? Is she going to be hungry?

My worries: What if an earthquake hits? How quickly can Karm and I put Brayden into the truck and drive to the campsite (which is only 35 kilometres away). Yup, I have a wild imagination.

Now I know what our parents felt like when they had to be separated from us for the first time. Gosh, it’s not easy.

You must be wondering what Isabella was like at the campsite. Well, it’s fair to say that her mother and I got a quick hug, a kiss and an “I Love You”. Next thing we know, she was running towards her “new friends” at the playground while awaiting the arrival of other campers.


Isabella proudly standing in front of Camp Elkgrove flag (March 25, 2011).


Thank you for reading,
Armin

PS. Why did we decide to do it? Independence!

Where's Camp Elkgrove?