Towering Pines Blog

Dear Jeff,

Ever since my son returned home from camp, he refuses to wear anything else but a TP t-shirt and his new soccer socks.  All he talks about is the fun he had at camp, stories about his cabin mates, and how many days there are until camp next summer.  He claims that he hears a bell ringing periodically throughout the day.  He spends hours looking at the online photos on the Towering Pines website.  He even makes his bed every morning and asks if he can sweep up after dinner.  He insists that I ask you for Betty and Drinka’s Jumbalya recipe.  Help!  Can you please explain to me what is going on with my son?

 A Concerned Parent

Dear TP Parent,

Thanks for your letter; I can assure you that what your son is experiencing right now sounds like a typical case of  “campsickness”.  Not to worry…YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  I receive calls and emails from parents every year at this time wondering what is happening to their camper(s).  Trust me, campsickness is not necessarily a bad thing; it just means that your son(s) had an AMAZING summer, and they are sad to leave their camp friends.  It is normal to miss the nonstop activity and fun that camp offers at every turn.  Coming home to an empty room can be a bit of a shock after the excitement of constant interaction with a community of boys.

I have every confidence that he will adjust to being at home again; it just takes a little time.  You can let him know that we will be corresponding with him (and you!) over the course of the winter via mail, email, and various social media.  There are all kinds of ways he can stay connected to our camp family, and before you know it, we will be headed to Towering Pines for another fantastic summer!

See you soon,

Jeff