7 Comments
Commenting has been turned off for this post

Stickers and a deck of cards, 100%. I was such a little cardshark at camp. And maybe still have a foot locker covered in awesome stickers. But also, maybe an address book? That is such an old fashioned thing but writing letters to camp friends was one of the best things ever in the 90s, and honestly I don’t want my kid giving out my phone number to randos.

Also, clear rules about sharing. So your kid doesn’t get a power trip like my bunk mate and decide that the way to get one of her Lion King trading cards was to kiss the outhouse seat. 8 year olds are the worst.

Expand full comment

I ignored the advice about sending cards and my son specifically said how nice it would have been to get cards 🙄 But then he taught me how to play Go Fish when he got back which was cute.

Expand full comment

Oh man my time at sleepaway camp as a tween camper and then counselor constitutes some of my all time favorite memories. Maybe the only thing I have FOMO about by not having kids is not getting to send them to camp. And we weren't supposed to get candy either but one girl in my cabin's mom sent her a huge cardboard box of Hostess goodies (Swiss cake rolls, starcrunches, etc) and it was the fuckin' best.

Expand full comment

Isn't it funny how getting those old familiar treats at a new location is so exotic.

My kid's experience got me so re-jazzed for camp that I signed my husband and me up for a volunteer weekend up there--WITH NO KIDS. For some reason doing physical labor and getting dirty and taking a shower outside sounds like the Rx I need right now.

Expand full comment

That sounds AMAZING

Expand full comment

I know this is a long shot but if there’s any witches in Italy or even in the close to Italy parts of Austria, Slovenia or Croatia I’d love to get in touch.

Expand full comment

Thanks Shannon! Will you email me (clairezulkey at gmail) with where you are roughly located and your kids' age (assuming you have any?) I'll put the word out for witchy hot spots when I'm back in town. I do know we have representation in Italy and I have some friends here who have people in Europe who might also be cool

Expand full comment