And I thought this would be easy…..

Saturday brought Little Sis’s camp experience to a close, hubby and I found a delighted girl bouncing in a magical forest. A presentation in the “AC” (I was quickly informed it wasn’t cool to call it by the full name – Activity Centre) showed a DVD full of smiling faces and wonderful activities. Little Sis was full of stories of all her great adventures, the highlight when she was the only girl to make it to the very top of a rock wall and ring the bell of victory!!!

The delusions we fall under can be remarkable. Foolishly I assumed that come Monday it would be a piece of cake to drop off Big Sis. After all she does her own hair and only sometimes needs reminders to brush her teeth.

What I forgot is the world of a tween is far from magical. It seemed that in one day the fairy forest transformed to a dark jungle of girls with dyed hair, short shorts, high heels and fully developed bodies.

As we approached the cabin Big Sis was to call home for the next week her eyes brimmed with tears, “These girls are wayyy older then me.” I naively assured her that it was a mistake and I would fix it. I spoke to several people and was partially convinced that this camp was only for eleven and twelve year olds. The only explanation I could come up with then, that everyone else in the province must force feed their children growth hormones???

My instincts were to scoop Big Sis up and rush her back to our safe small town. She was clearly out of her league. My rational mind told me that you can’t judge a book by its cover; Big Sis is very friendly and easy to get along with, she could fit in practically anywhere. Furthermore I was assured that her camp councilor would help in any situation and so I reluctantly left.

When pulling out of the crowded parking lot uneasy and apprehensive I couldn’t help but wonder if this was what happens as children get older what other challenges would the future hold???