Camp Shady Brook

    It was a really special summer for Ashlyn.  She experienced sleep away camp for the first time ever.  We decided to sign her up for the YMCA Camp Shady Brook this winter.  Her best friend, Lucy  planned to go with her the same week.  Ashlyn was really excited to spend a week with her best friend. We were a little worried as to how she would like it.  I was also concerned about what she would eat because she is truly the world's pickiest eater.
    Camp was about a ninety minute drive from our house.  We drove her up on a Sunday afternoon.  When we checked it, Ashlyn was so excited to discover it was Harry Potter week. Lucy was already there, so it nice for Ashlyn to already know someone.  We went to her tent and Lucy had already picked out a bunk for them. Ashlyn got the top bunk.  Once we got her settled in a bit, it was time to leave.  It was very hard to leave her!
   I missed her so much that week.  We were able to write her some letters in advance so she would get less homesick.  I think the hardest part was having no communication with her or about her.  I have never been away from her that long. Anytime she has been away with family I have been able to  check in on her.  The week did fly by, and before we knew it, it was Friday and time to pick her up!
   We all drove up to pick her up.  I was so excited to see her again!  The first thing she said to me was, "I am coming back next year!"  I knew immediately that she had had a good experience.  We met her counselors again and Ashlyn showed us the lake and some other spots.  It was then time to leave.  We were headed up to the cabin from there.  The entire way, she told Joey and I all about camp and the fun adventures she had.  They did some really neat stuff.  She even found some food to eat at each meal and didn't starve to death!  She had so much fun that Dawson decided he wants to go as well next year.  We loved hearing about her adventures and I am so glad the she got the experience of sleep away camp because I have such fond memories from camp as kid.

Driving into camp

Ashlyn's tent

Checking out the bunks

Our little campers

Getting her bed set up

Ashlyn and her cabin mates

Serving cupcakes

Goodbye Camp Shady Brook!  See you next year!