The grade school Outdoor Education trip. Somehow, I missed this rite of passage when I moved schools between sixth and seventh grade. Actually, the three-day trip was a welcome change of scenery and nice chance to see my kid with her friends, and maybe more importantly, without her little brother. And, for the record, I’m not really outdoorsy.

I’d never been camping before, though, this was far from REAL camping. I imagined the movie Parent Trap – both versions. And no sleep… kids trying to escape the cabins, playing pranks on each other. Nope, none of that. I think the main reason you don’t sleep is because you’re not in your own bed and you hear all the swooshing of polyester sleeping bags on top of vinyl mattresses during the night. Not to mention, the warm weather.

As chaperones, we watched and helped with classes and activities like canoeing, archery. And the campsite… really nice facilities! (For a camp… this isn’t a five-star hotel, right?)The kids amazed me (most of the time) with their respect and listening skills. I met a few new students, watched how classmates could be so kind to each other… and I saw how some kids can be so competitive. The girls basically went to sleep when they were supposed to, but I did enjoy the sound of giggling and whispering as the other moms and I called “Lights out.

You might call me a brave soul for going on a trip with my daughter… and 109 other students from her fifth grade class. I would recommend it to any parent, if you can set aside the time. I figure, she still doesn’t mind me being around. That may change sooner than later, but I hope not. Thanks, kiddo, for letting me see you in your world. Love, Mom.

Chaperones at archery