Fresh Start

Sunday we opened the Huawni Gates for one final session as our Session 4 Campers arrived for another two weeks of Huawni Magic. It was a pleasure meeting and seeing all our parents and campers.

Here are a few sweet moments that I had the opportunity to take in today.

Campers arrived from all over today. Camp was the common destination for campers from Oregon, California, China, and Texas. It truly amazes me that kids from all over the world will make the trek by air to come to the piney woods of East Texas to experience Camp Huawni. We feel honored that you made the trip, and we are eager to give your children a one-of-a-kind experience.

Alumni parents dropped off their two sons who were smiling ear to ear, excited to finally be at Camp. Mom shared with me how the boys were so encouraged to hear the counselors call them by name as soon as they hopped out of the car. It was special to be known….they were happy to be at their second home.

A mom teared up as she neared the moment she would be departing to leave her son at sleepaway camp for the first time. It was a precious moment that only us parents can relate to, especially when it’s the first time to leave your kiddo. For you first time camp parents, this next section is just for you. We are here with you to walk you through this next two weeks— rest assured.

Homesickness

For 28 of you, it was your first time to drop your child off at sleepaway camp. This can understandably be a very nerve racking and emotional event. As hard as it is, we believe that homesickness is great opportunity for growth. Why is this so? I encourage you to read these two blogs I’ve written based upon the book Homesick & Happy by Michael Thompson.

Homesick & Happy Intro
Homesick & Happy Chapter 1 – Off They Go

We also keep a close tab on our homesick campers. Tomorrow morning at staff meeting we have our cabin counselors fill out reports for any kids that are experiencing homesickness. As necessary, we will give you a call if your child is experiencing out of the ordinary symptoms. If you don’t get a call, know that they are doing well. We monitor homesickness continuously and take it very seriously.

Staying in touch with your camper and camp pics

We highly encourage you to utilize letter writing as well as sending your camper emails through your CampInTouch login. Camp is a great opportunity to communicate with your child in a whole new way, and if you happen to write and/or receive a letter from your child, you will likely be blown away, laugh, and cry all at the same time. Also, be sure to log into your CampInTouch account to see the photos we will be posting daily. And finally, be sure and subscribe to our blog page by going here and clicking on the subscribe via email blue button.

Parent Book Club

One of the biggest benefits to camp for your campers is unplugging from the busyness of life and connecting with mother nature. Again this summer for our Huawni Parent Book Club I will be blogging on the the book Last Child in the Woods. This book has great research about the benefits to our kids being in nature. To get a free copy of the book, go here and reply at the bottom of the blog. I look forward to learning together.

We are so excited and honored to spend the next two weeks with your children. Our desire is that they will leave our gates in two weeks better knowing their true significance and purpose. Here we go!

-Travis