My 78 year old Mom constantly reminds me that you never stop worrying about your kids. I felt that as I just watched my teenage step-daughters pull out of the driveway on their way to get some food. I had that same feeling in my gut I get watching my 4 and 5 year olds navigate their way to the top of the climbing structure in the yard. I want to celebrate their accomplishments with them, but that means pushing down the handful of possible scenarios of injury creeping into my consciousness.

There’s a metaphor we share in our family: worry is like sand in an oyster; too much destroys the animal, but just enough becomes a pearl.

As parents it’s our job to worry. We take it on so our kids don’t have to. We want them to be able to find joy and happiness in the world, there will be plenty of time for worry later.

As Camp Director it’s my job to worry. I take this on so that the campers and staff are free to find joy and happiness at camp. In collaboration with my highly competent team we diligently run through and plan for all the possible scenarios. We do the worry ahead of time. We prepare for the things that may never come so that the actual moments we are in are enriching, safe, and enjoyable. 

As you get ready to bring your child to camp it’s right for you to worry, it’s your job. And you can keep those frets to pearl size and trust that we’ve done the work ahead of time to plan and implement a safe and joy filled summer.

Brooks Johnson