Picking Up Your Camper on Closing Day

You made it. Two (or three!) weeks ago, you dropped your camper off in their cabin, gave them a hug, and drove off. Now it’s time to pick up your camper. You don’t need me to tell you all the logistics. There’s plenty of that on the website and in your inbox. This is about what to really expect when you pick up your camper and how to manage your expectations and their emotions.

The anticipation of driving through the gates to pick up your camper is singular. They are already little change machines, so who are you going to be picking up? I love my kids, but they can drive me crazy. Congrats to me, I’m normal. But absence, hearts and fonder and all that. When you park that car and stand across the soccer field, scanning the far side to locate your camper, your heart is full of longing and your head full of questions. Every second the ceremony creeps ahead, your desire to embrace your child grows stronger.

Hold that thought. Now consider your camper.

Yesterday, they woke up recovering from Rodeo Roundup, competed in an epic camp-wide team competition called the Amazing Race, packed up all their stuff, partied hard at the Big Blowout, stayed up entirely too late, and then woke up and waited in the heat between the Rio Grande and the Archway for what feels like 10 hours.

They. Are. Tired.

So what does that mean? It means you should expect some big emotions. It’s not uncommon for younger campers to cry happy tears, for older campers to laugh and joke at inappropriate times, and for the teenagers to act independent and aloof. I don’t mean that your camper will do any of these things. It’s entirely possible that they see you, give you a hug, and immediately escort you from brunch to closing ceremonies like a perfect angel. However, prepare for your camper to be a bit overstimulated.

Here’s a few tips:

Let them lead - You’re an adult. You know what to do in every situation. Except here’s the thing; you’re in their world today. After a few weeks of independence, your camper will likely be proud to walk you around, introduce you to their friends, and show you what to do next. Embrace this! We all want our children to grow up and spread their wings. Consider this an opportunity to let them glide. When they rock up, ask them how. When they sing, you sing too. If they want to sit with their friends one last time, maybe consider letting them. Respecting their leadership is a way to communicate some respect to your camper. They will appreciate it.

Don’t bombard them with questions - If you’re like me, you are desperate to hear all the stories. What did they like to do? Who are their friends? What was the food like? Did they pull any pranks? The list is endless. Your camper might not have the answers ready. They are likely feeling a ton of emotions (see the next tip), and it will take some time for their brains to formulate those narratives. Don’t force it. Let the game come to you.

Remember that they are leaving their friends and a place they love - This is huge. As a 40-year old man, making new friends can either take 90 seconds, 90 weeks, or never again. We forget that kids can form deep and meaningful bonds in only a few days. If they are new to camp, your camper might not have considered the reality that their cabin family is about to split up for the year. When that reality hits, the emotions can be big and they can be hidden under the surface. You know your camper, so lean into your instincts. Just be empathetic when they start saying their goodbyes.

Check the lost and found - Seriously. Your camper almost certainly lost something.

Sign back up for next summer! - Take advantage of that early pricing, and get it on the calendar.

When you finally hop in the car for the drive home, your camper might want to talk, but they probably won’t. If you brought siblings along for pickup, they will want to be near their brother or sister. Genetics will kick in, and the children will immediately annoy each other. You’re a pro. Keep the peace.

If you live a few hours away, like in Dallas or Houston, it’s common for those campers to fall asleep in the car. This isn’t like jet lag. Let them sleep.

You might think going out to eat sounds like a fun treat, but your camper probably just wants to be home, in their own house, with their own kitchen, and headed to their own rooms.

Let them thaw a bit. The stories will come out eventually. Maybe on Monday night, you can pop open your computer, and look at pictures together. Those images will spark smiles and stories, and those still images will come to life.

Closing day is not really the right name for what you are about to experience. It’s really more like “The Re-entry Process.” Think about it as a short season of readjustment, and enjoy the days as your camper reacclimates. Don’t forget to remind them that you know about cabin cleanup, and they can now make their beds, clean their rooms and scrub a toilet or two.

By Jimmer Miller CBS Alumni & Parent