Parent Blog: Flight Without Fright - New Camper Blog Series
“You’re sending her across the country!?” “Why North Carolina…aren’t there good camps in-state?”
These were the common responses last year when I shared that I was sending my 9-year old to Camp Greystone in North Carolina. If you have already experienced some of these comments, you’re in good company. My name is Annabel Kyler and we live in Denver, Colorado. As a previous camper and counselor of over 10 years, and now mom of a 2nd year camper, I have compiled some of my insight for out of state parents traveling by air for your first summer!
Should we fly with her?
It might seem obvious, but it’s a good idea to fly with your daughter to camp if you can, especially the first year. Even though drop-off is quick and you won’t be able to linger, your support is paramount, if you can swing the trip. The minutes leading up to drop off for her may feel uncertain. She is in a different state, potentially knows little to no-one, and is completely unsure of what lies ahead. In time, she will view this drop-off experience with you as a treasured part of her camp experience and a meaningful milestone in her young independence.
Consider flying in the day before!
Whether you live 2 hours or 7 hours away by plane, you should consider flying into the area the day before. First, this gives you quality time to help your daughter realize this is real and that camp is starting soon. Second, if you realize you forgot anything you can pop over to Walmart for any last minute needs.
You can also then be on time for your Opening Day age group time slot. This ensures your daughter will arrive around the same time of her cabinmates which will help her quickly adapt to her new surroundings.
We usually stay at a bed and breakfast in Hendersonville (you an see some good options on Greystone’s website), and this has proven to be a fun hot spot to connect with other Greystone families preparing to head out to camp.
Do I need a trunk? Should we check it?
My husband became informed our girls would go to Greystone on our 3rd date I would guess. So we had been preparing for camp for awhile before last summer. Whether you plan to go for 2 weeks or for Main Camp, a trunk is a helpful way to get all your necessities to camp and keep them organized. You can either use a trunk or a duffel for sending ahead of time.
Here is a critical hint for flyers: Box and ship, especially if you’re sending a trunk! You spent a lot of money on that beautiful footlocker, and the airlines do not care (and some airlines won’t even let you check a trunk). I highly recommend you ship your trunk to camp, packed safely in a box so it can serve your daughter for years to come. On your return, simply let the 5-star Greystone team know you need similar handling on the way back. It’s worth every dime to protect her gear AND her memories.
We also pack a duffel that we check on the plane that holds her essentials like toiletries, towels, and clothes for the night before camp and Opening Day! This is also your safety net if for any reason your trunk is detained from on-time arrival.
Prepare your letters for camp!
If you live far away like we do, it can take up to 7+ days for your letters to get to your camper! This lag can really take a toll on your child, so we prepared in advance by writing some and having friends and family give us mail before we left. You can put sticky notes on when each piece of mail should be delivered to your camper on which day to buy you some time until the pony express can eventually start to get to Greystone. We put them carefully labeled in a Ziplock bag and you’ll have an opportunity to drop those with the staff as you exit on Opening Day!
Lastly, bring your family to visit on Closing Day!
If you live a plane-ride away from camp, it can be easy to just send one parent to pick up, or even have her fly home solo. I urge you to prioritize a family visit your first year. My husband had heard about camp for years, but seeing it was a game changer in his appreciation for her experience. This will allow you to meet the camp directors and above all, express your gratitude to your daughter’s counselor. This young woman provided love, comfort, and direction to your child while she was away from you; your appreciation goes a long way! Most of all, let your daughter tour you around camp and share her memories. You will be so surprised how much she has grown physically, socially, mentally and spiritually!
