David is a Seasoned Summer Camper

Summer Camp:  The Young Man is Growing Up

David will be all camped out by the end of this summer. To-date he has been to Kennolyn for 2 weeks.  There are no cell phones, no computers - just old fashion outdoor fun, from horseback riding to zipling.  Take a look below during parent pick up day, where he highlights a few of his activities for us.

Proud parents getting a glimpse of what his camp experience has been like at Kennolyn.

Then he was off to ID Tech - where there is nothing but tech programming all day.  It is the highlight of his summer camp experiences.

Here he is getting his tech certificate for programing a Minecraft game of his own.

Today we have been on FaceTime a good part of the morning as he gets ready for another adventure - 2 weeks in Michigan at a violin camp.  He is a little uncertain about this one, only because he is not used to it and it is far away.  

It seems to have helped him to know that they speak English in Michigan.

Technology has been instrumental in helping him make the transition for this one -staying in touch right to the send off - walking him to the cabins.

Here are a few shots of our FaceTime and his entrance to the camp.

Mom bought him a plushie to make things go a bit smoother.

Dad stayed in video contact to keep the conversation and comfort level where it needed to be.

Yes - he actually made it to the cabins.  He will be fine.  

He said: "its like Kennolyn except that it has Internet."

I think the idea of being able to connect made a real difference concerning that delicate comfort zone.

So long little man. 

See you in 2 weeks.

Rob Bell says you are only as happy as your saddest child. We know this is transitory and a great experience that he will love, but there is something about the transition that is difficult for all of us sometimes - in life in general, just made more real and concrete in your own son's summer camping experience.

Dinner with David and Computer Camp Assistant Director

Computer Camp at Stanford: Dinner with 56

Ironic isn't it.  We sent David to Kennolyn Camp for 2 weeks.  They purposely do not let children bring or use computers or cell phones.  The purpose is to get them back to the basics like swimming, rope climbing, pottery and you get the idea - a break from the digital addiction.

What's ironic you ask?  David is enrolled in computer camp at Stanford this week.  He is immersed in Minecraft and YouTube videos of almost every game imaginable.  Of course, he is learning to program and make apps and all the rest at this camp.

I surprised him by arranging for a dinner date with his former computer camp teacher and Assistant Director of the program.  Her tag or camp name is 56.  They had a great time chatting about alumni (both teachers and students).

She tries to stay in touch with David.  She thinks he is unusually smart and sensitive.  She is studying for her final exams this week and next. We wished her luck and thanked her for taking the time to join us for dinner.  It was the highlight of David's day (and possibly week). It also highlights how even computer camp can help you get back to the basics of human warmth and sensitivity.