During a gathering with my family on New Year’s Eve, while reflecting on the past year, both of my children mentioned that going to camp was one of their most cherished memories from 2023.
It warmed my heart to hear this, as I vividly recall the apprehension I felt when I drove the three hours from the Lowcountry to the Upstate to drop off my son and daughter at an overnight camp that was considerably farther away. Although they had previous camp experiences, those were much closer to home. This time, they were embarking on a new adventure at a camp where they didn’t know anyone.
Established in 1945, the YMCA summer camp had a well-organized drop-off process, with friendly counselors and staff guiding families to their designated areas with all their belongings. After settling my children into their cabin in the woods – each equipped with six bunk beds, a small closet space, and no air-conditioning – there was little left to do but bid farewell. My 11-year-old son preferred to unpack on his own and didn’t want me lingering around because, as he put it, I “always talk to people” (evidently, having a talkative mom is not ideal for a tween).
On the journey back home, I couldn’t help but worry. Would they enjoy themselves? Would they make friends? With no means of communication for the entire week, I found myself constantly checking the camp’s website and scrolling through the daily posted pictures in hopes of catching glimpses of my kids in action. They engaged in a myriad of enjoyable activities such as swimming, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, roller skating, horseback riding, paddleboarding, and an all-ages game of Capture the Flag. Witnessing their joyful expressions amidst a crowd of fellow campers was truly heartwarming.
The week passed swiftly, and before I knew it, we were picking them up, listening eagerly to their animated tales on the ride back home. Both of them had an incredible time and couldn’t stop talking about how eager they were to return. I felt a sense of relief knowing they had a positive experience and was proud of their ability to forge friendships, embrace camp traditions, and thrive in a rustic setting.
I extend my utmost appreciation to the dedicated counselors and staff who create such a remarkable camp experience. As highlighted in our annual camp guide, there is a plethora of exciting opportunities available for children this summer – ranging from surfing and singing to science and soccer. I hope you discover a camp that suits your family’s preferences.
We have already enrolled our children for another session this summer, and they are eagerly anticipating another fantastic week at camp.
In this edition, we delve into She Tris – a local organization that advocates for triathlons among women of all ages; explore the history of play, while showcasing our favorite playgrounds in Charleston. The community spotlight shines on Horizons at Ashley Hall, and we feature librarian Lucye Magill as Mom of the Month. Be sure not to miss our spring event calendar and the enchanting photos from the Lowcountry Parent Royal Ball.
Here’s to a delightful spring!
– Pamela Brownstein,
Lowcountry Parent Editor