Dear Shayna,

I am thinking about going to sleepaway camp next summer. I have never slept away from home without my family for more than one night. How will I be able to be away for 4 weeks? Do you think I should wait until I feel more secure before I make such an important decision?

Sincerely,

Careful Carla

Dear Careful Carla,

Nobody except you can really make this decision. However, I know it’s difficult and that’s what I’m here for. When I am unsure of what I should decide to do, I make a list of the positives and negatives and whichever list has more I go with. I think this will be useful to you as well when making this big decision.

Another thing to consider is what you’ll do if you don’t go to sleepaway camp. Will your friends be home this summer? Do you think day camp is more your speed?

Imagine you are going to sleepaway camp now. Are you happy about it or do you feel full of anxiety? Your body will direct you to the right choice.

No matter what you decide, the summer is only 2 months, so how wrong can you go really? And if you end up going to sleepaway camp, all I’m going to say is “Have a nice vacation from your annoying siblings.”

Best of Luck,

Shayna B.

Shayna is a fourth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.