The annual rite of passage for 5th graders in our district is the 2 night-3 day trip to Camp Pepin. Matt was excited, but nervous to go to camp. He said he was nervous about the food and about being away from family.
I was nervous about other things. Matt has had a tough spring socially. His perception is that he has very few friends and that people don't like him. He can overreact to situations and sees his life in a very negative light. Less than a week before camp, he was crying over dinner saying, "I just wish I had one friend who would stick up for me." My heart was breaking.
I contacted his teacher ahead of time to let her know my concerns. She was as kind as could be and offered to text me updates about camp, and allow Matt to call if he wanted or needed to.
When the first text on the first night came in that Matt was all smiles and having a good time, my fears began to settle down. A neighbor who was chaperoning sent me pictures over the course of the trip, and Matt is happy in each one.
When Nana picked Matt up from school the afternoon they got home, he said to her, "I have one word...AWESOME!"
I am so glad he has the fond memory of 5th grade to look back upon. He needed this boost in confidence...and so did I.
Packed and ready to go!
9-sqaure in the air
He loved this game.
Dinner
He had to read a story in a silly voice.
I love this picture of true happiness on his face!
Owl pellets
Enjoying the campfire
The first few lines of his favorite camp song:
"Hi, my name is Joe, and I work in a butt factory...."
That's all it takes to capture the interest of 5th graders!
Edit: 3 days after camp, we were YouTubing the song. It's actually a button factory.
Matt said, "Oh yeah. I must have misunderstood it."
