See Ya' Later Suckers!

"See ya' later suckers!" That was pretty much the reaction of our favorite nine year old as we dropped him off at his first week long sleep away camp. As we were planning summer camps for the boys, knowing that I would be in school for the better part of the summer, I had asked the boys if either or both of them wanted to go to Camp Roger. William had gone last year and it had been a very positive experience. He loved it and came home so self-assured and proud of himself. But both boys said they were not interested this year. We let it drop and planned day camps instead. However, when a Groupon offer popped up in my inbox for 50% off for the very same week that we had originally wanted to send the boys, I asked again. William was still a no, but Romney had changed his mind and was excited to go off on his own for 6 whole days. Without the benefit of even one single friend accompanying him, nor an older brother to show him the ropes, Romney has been incredibly enthusiastic about having a turn to be on his own. I secretly wondered if as the time grew closer he would begin getting nervous or have doubts but he only became more and more clear that he was ready and anxious to go. With bags packed, he loaded up the car with a giant grin on his face. On the drive up, he kept asking how close we were to arriving at the camp. He met each camp counselor with a big smile and an "I am so excited to be here!" His only concern-- he had heard from one of William's friends that the bottom bunks were better than the top and he wanted to make sure he was first to check in to pick out his bunk. Alas, he succeeded and got first dibs and his perfect spot. He unloaded his belongings onto his shelf and pretty much let us know we could leave now. Romney had lectured me at home this morning about not embarrassing him at camp. No crying, no tearing up, no weird mom stuff was allowed. He said if I embarrassed him as he was trying to make his first camp impression it might ruin it for him, that everyone would always remember that he was the kid with the over dramatic mother. I promised I would not tear up and that if I did, those tears would stay safely behind my sunglasses. I told him no tears, but one quick hug at the very last second to say goodbye was a non-negotiable. He agreed. I kept my end of the bargain without so much as a wet eye, and so did he. Have you ever seen a bigger smile on any kid anywhere? I can't wait to hear all about his independent adventures when we finally get to pick him up again on Friday, where I promise again, no tears, only hugs!

P.S. Now that the week is over, here is a report. Romney gave us a good scare by looking incredibly stone-faced in all of the photos we got from camp during the week. Even in photos where everyone was acting silly. Everyone but Romney. It took all I had not to run up the mountain and rescue him. Thank goodness I did not. He had an amazing time. He wants to go every week this summer, but will compromise with one week at home, one week at camp. He feels very proud of the dog-tags he earned. One archery, one mountain biking and the final dog-tag of "Responsibility". He said he picked that goal to work on since he felt he could improve on that at home. He was torn between Responsibility and Respect. He said he could improve on "Respect" at school. He made a very cute little buddy named Sam and had a wonderful attitude the entire week. He had a great time teaching everyone the evils of the chicken farming industry. His poor counselor couldn't finish his chicken nuggets after Romney explained the ins and outs of cruelty to animals. That's our little man. Oh, and when asked about looking sad in all the photos Romney said "I just prefer to look serious in pictures, Mom."