Going to Eastwood is like learning how to ride a bike

One of my first times riding a bike I went head-first into a kiddie pool.

It was like an America’s Funniest Home Videos moment where I veered right off the road and careened down a hill into our backyard with my dad chasing after me.

Yes, the final result was me in the plastic pool.

I can’t remember if I was crying or laughing (though I definitely laugh thinking of it now), but I do remember the sheer terror of being out of control with no solution in sight short of crashing. Thankfully it was a pool and not a tree.

Mind you, it was the 1980’s so balance bikes were definitely not a thing yet. I’m sure there were training wheels, but again: 1980’s.

For some kids it’s easy. You get on the bike. You try it. You fall down. You get some scrapes. You eventually do it: you ride the bike.

For others, a support system before getting on the bike is more helpful in the process (aka training wheels, balance bike, tricycle).

Same thing for sleepaway camp.

A lot of kids go away for a few weeks or a few months in the summertime and are fine. They go. They miss home (or not!). And they do it: they make it successfully over the 2, 3 or 7-week session.

For a lot of kiddos though, having a place to start before that full sleepaway experience is really helpful. For a lot of parents too, truthfully.
We’ve used a lot of analogies the past few months articulating what Camp Eastwood actually IS.

Jumping off place.

Stepping stone.

Springboard.

Preschool of camp.

First step.

I think of it now though like riding a bike.

We know now that starting with a balance bike (or training wheels) provides stability for the rider to learn the skills (balancing, steering, braking) without worrying about falling or crashing. When ready, they transition to the bike.

At that point, they’re more independent, more confident, and have a set of skills to help them be successful on the bicycle that they didn’t have before.

Camp is no different. Let’s think about Eastwood.

A chance to gain independence and confidence? Check.

Learn skills with some support? Check.

Go away for a week or two before going away for longer? Check.

You might be wondering, but how so?

• Less kids in your cabin.

• A smaller property to acclimate to.

• Camp days are full! Fun yet tiring. Eastwood is a 5 or 10K before the half or full marathon.

• More individualized attention at meals, at activities, all day long.

• Building community living skills with a camp of kids your age.

• Learning how to care for yourself with routines to follow.

• A daily schedule in tune with your 6-10 year old wants and needs. (Yes, that means earlier mornings, earlier bedtimes, lots of play, and even more snacks.)

• A chance to make mistakes in a low-stakes environment.

• A support system that’s prepared for when big feelings happen.

For years and years, people (who are not usually camp people) have asked me, “How can you send your girls to camp for 7 weeks?”

That answer is a whole different blog that I could write, but the point is, now people are like, “Wait, you want me to send my kindergartener to sleepaway camp?”

And to that I answer, “Yes, I do!”

My youngest daughter is in fact in kindergarten right now. She will be an original at Camp Eastwood this summer.

And with two older sisters already at full-session sleepaway camp, she’s SO excited to go to camp with them.

But, her body and brain need some priming. Eastwood is going to give her the chance to gain the skills and the stamina before she joins her big sisters.

Now we all (her parents, her forever camp, and even her) can feel more confident that she’s got the training wheels so she doesn’t metaphorically careen head-first on the bike into a kiddie pool at sleepaway camp.