What's a mom to do when her kids hate camp?

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  Posted by urassismine2 Wed Jul 16, 2008 3:18pm PDT

  priority one! Your children have told you that they are being mistreated. Screw the money, and create such a ruckus that nobody better even think of messing with your kids. You are paying an organization for services to be rendered, and that contractual agreement is not being met. If your children are adolescents, this situation could be even more detrimental to thier future growth, and confidence level. If they can't bank on mom and dad, then who can they rely on to cover thier backs. I'd be all over those in management about those teenagers that don't respect people who are just shorter in stature then themselves.I'm a father who raised daughters, and neither of them take no mess when it comes to our babies! Handle it!

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  Posted by ChristieB Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:52am PDT

  Sounds like normal camp stuff to me. Put your 19 year old self in the shoes of the counselor, add a whole lot of adolescents who think they can overthrow the government (just a joke) and see what you think. Everything in life is not a kumbaya moment. Your kids might respect authority but i bet there are a whole of of adolescents at that camp that don't. And camp is for lessons-everyday is for lessons.

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  Posted by JennaE Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:57am PDT

  I had a situation last year with my son who was 8 at the time with a Summer Day Camp. My son was reported for misbehavior, which I don't tolerate. However, when I got home with my son and he told me what had really gone on and how one the Camp Counselors was egging on a situation and calling my son names, I was furious. The next day, I calmly asked who filed the report on my son the day before, I got his name, and then I made a report of my own. I told them that I will not under any circumstances allow my child to treat any child or adult with disrespect, but at the same time I will not tolerate or allow an adult to treat my child with disrespect either. I gave a report on what my son happened, the Camp Director spoke to that Camp Counselor immediately to verify what my son had said occured, which the Camp Counselor readily admitted fault. The Camp Counselor was reprimanded, asked to apologize to my son and myself and we had no other problems for the rest of the Summer. I think your kids need to be aware that there are times that "Mom" and "Dad" have to step in and correct a situation when it is really wrong--not just let it go. It is how you handle the situation that really counts. You can ask to report the situation anonymously and hope it sticks, even if it doesn't and your kids come home upset by bad behavior by the adults, I would return the next day and make another report. If it continues, I would ask for the full refund of Summer Camp monies due to their inability to provide professionals to care for your children. Good luck!

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  Posted by popesmom Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:59am PDT

  I would also go and speak to the Camp Director and have the children point out who was saying these comments. If your children refuse it would lead me to believe that they are not speaking all truth. I would think this would be a good lesson about what a "RAT" is and if other children are being talked to the same way they will not care and should be happy that person might be removed from the job.

  DO NOT LET THEM QUIT! I have a feeling if they are anything like my children, this could be a test. This will not harm them for yrs. to come, it will just show them that life is not always peaches.

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  Posted by Courtney Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:01am PDT

  No quitting.

  Follow up with the director - are they scared of being rats, or do they just not want to go to camp anymore and are making things up (hey, it happens)? File a report, have the children point out who is doing it. Nip it in the bud.

  And yes, camp IS a time for life-lessons....its a part of life, right?

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  Posted by capsfanKR17 Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:24am PDT

  The behavior of these counslors is not acceptable and they should be held accoutnable. The director needs to know how their behavior is making your children feel, I'm sure they're are more that feel the same way. Keeping quiet isn't going to help any one.

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  Posted by Bowhead Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:58am PDT

  Complain to management, but ask them to use discretion as to who's parent made the complaint. Of course you don't want your children to be the subject of ill-treatment from their peers as well as the counselors, so I would just as for your name to be withheld when management addresses the complaint.

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  Posted by audrey Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:59am PDT

  firstly, go straight to the source. it's amazing what results come when someone is approached head on. and it gives them a chance to correct the behavior before going over their head, which for some reason promotes a sense of appreciation. if there isn't an immediate difference. pull them. do what i did this year, when i couldn't deal with the whining of how boring camp is (not to mention the cost!!). hire a teenage cousin (one who can drive) for the summer! they are happy to have the money (1/2 of daycare!) and the kids are happy to have more freedom of choice. if you don't have any family in the area, ask your friends who have teenagers. alot of kids aren't getting summer jobs now because of the liability issues. so finding teenagers willing to play AND make money is easy:)

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  Posted by Vanessa Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:26am PDT

  I think that stepping in for your kids at this time is something that you shouldn't do. How about letting them take care of the situation in a mature way. I do believe that they're at the age where they know wrong from right. I would tell them that quitting day camp is NOT an option and that they need to solve their problem... for example, going and talking to the director themselves. I'm sure that other kids are thinking the same thing so they won't be alone. Don't tell them exactly what they need to do... just be there for them if they need to talk about it.

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  Posted by ladybuilder Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:39pm PDT

  I've had the same issue this summer with my 6-year-old. The counselors were making them stay outside for extended periods of time without water breaks and one of the counselors took my daughters spending money for a field trip. Yes, the first week is ALWAYS roses, however the following weeks usually set the pace. She was pulled out of the camp and placed in another camp. Yes, extra money was paid to re-register and for t-shirts and camp supplies. I remember how much I hated attending summer camps as a child and wlll go to any extreme to ensure she is happy (and educated) during HER break from school. Please listen to your kids, it is crucial that they are happy at a place that advertises enjoyment. This is camp, not school. Anyhow, since she has been in the new camp, she has been extremely happy and I now have no worries.

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