A couple of months ago, at a fundraiser for Max's school, I met a very cool mom who told me about a sleepaway camp for kids with special needs. (For privacy reasons, I'm not naming it now.)
First thought: I don't think Max is ready for that.
Second thought: It could be really good for him!
Third thought: I don't think he's ready.
And that's the tug of war that's been happening in my head ever since. There's an open house (open camp?!) coming up, so I'll be able scope it out. Sabrina's already jealous at the mere thought that Max would get to go to sleepaway camp. Max nods his head vigorously when I show him pictures of the place and ask if he wants to go.
I have tried so hard to encourage Max to be more independent. I know Max would enjoy the outdoors and all the activities (he loved the family camp weekend we went to last summer, although he spent a disproportionate amount of time being chauffeured on a golf cart). And this camp has a well-trained staff, a team of nurses, and everything else you'd need at a camp for kids with special needs.
Then I picture some counselor getting Max dressed in the morning (WITHOUT ME) and I picture Max eating spaghetti (WITHOUT ME) and I picture him sleeping alone in a bunk with a bunch of other kids and a counselor (WITHOUT ME), and I sort of get freaked out.
Camp? WITHOUT ME?!!
Would you do it? Could you do it?
Photo: Yes, it's from Meatballs
