As a grandparent, you have much to gain when the youngsters go off to summer camps.
For one thing, peace and quiet. Yes, we all acknowledge that being with them is its own reward, and we cherish those moments, even the ones with screaming, complaints, ridiculous clothing (theirs, not yours), weird videos, uncomfortable questions, and all. But we’re able to do that important cherishing only when they leave the premises for a while and we begin to find all that resulting stillness oppressive. So enjoy the tranquility, since you know it won’t last.
Then there’s the swag. Any camp worth its fees will keep the rascals busy with crafting, from fingerpaints to beadwork to sculptures made from found objects. Make space for odd constructions of twigs, rocks, feathers, and various unidentifiable goo compounds that keep the parts more or less together until the cat gets to it.
As a doting grand, it’s incumbent on you to contribute something to the adventure. Of course you’ll check with the parents to find out what not to send along. These instructions can be ignored if you’re discreet. Slip some candy into their backpack, it’s okay. Also: a book of jokes, the more questionable the better. How about a whoopee cushion — something special for the camp counselor? And a disposable camera. All this teaches your worthy descendants to be sweet, witty, resourceful, and observant. We all want that, right?
One of the rituals that you as grandparents must observe is the telling of tales about the ancient days when you went to camp and what it was really like. “Our parents would send us off for a week with a sandwich and instructions to stay away from lava flows.” And, “You kids have it easy only having to worry about SPF levels while we had to master the use of bear repellent.”
If the camp includes some overnights, we can only hope that no electronics will be allowed except for the usual emergencies. Make those youngsters learn to write letters! You’ll probably have to start the process by stashing a note in with your other contraband. But include some stationery and stamped envelopes (must we do everything?) so they’ll be motivated to write you. Remind them you want to know all about the bug bites, leaky tents, goofy other campers, bad food, everything.
It’s also incumbent on the thoughtful grandparent to clue in the youngsters on pranks. Yes, this can be tricky. But it’s also inevitable. There are two elements to this, the first being how to be on the lookout. It teaches the kiddos how to think ahead and keep an eye peeled. Never jump into your bunk without checking — it could be short-sheeted (or worse). Beware of dares or suggestions from campers who otherwise don’t pay attention to you. Learn the meaning of trust.
The other part of dealing with pranks is teaching your scions how to deal out some mischief themselves. Justice must be done, but make sure they know where to draw the line: if it gets reported to the camp counselor, it’s probably okay, but if it goes further up the chain of command, it may be too much. Learn the meaning of consequences.
With some luck as well as your sage advice and carefully considered intervention, summer camp can be memorable in all the right ways. And maybe a few wrong ways as well, but we chalk those up to learning experiences. Just like that time we dropped the bear repellent.