My Child Is at Sleep Away Camp: What About Me?

The bags are packed, the forms are signed, and just like that — your child is off to sleepaway camp.

You’ve spent weeks (or months) preparing, labeling clothes, triple-checking packing lists, and reassuring your camper that they’ll have the best time ever. And now, the house is quiet. Too quiet. So… what about you?

First, let’s take a moment to celebrate. Be confident in your decision to send your child to camp. You’ve done an amazing job getting your child ready for this adventure, and now it’s your turn for a little adventure of your own. 

Here are some fun ways to make the most of this rare and well-earned break.

Reclaim ‘me time’ 

This is your golden opportunity to dust off that book you started six months ago, take a long, uninterrupted bath, or binge-watch a guilty-pleasure show without anyone judging your choices.

If you’ve been wanting to try something new, go for it! Sign up for a dance class, start journaling, or experiment with a new hobby. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or learning how to make a new recipe, do something that brings you joy. Take that cooking class you’ve wanted to take!

Date nights, friends, and grown-up fun 

Whether it’s your partner, friends, or even a long-overdue sibling night, this is the time to reconnect. Plan a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway, or just enjoy an uninterrupted conversation over coffee. 

Tackle that project you keep putting off

Maybe it’s decluttering the garage, rearranging a room, or finally tackling that pile of papers on the counter. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll also enjoy a sense of control over something — unlike parenting, where control is mostly an illusion.

Get outside and move 

Go for a long hike, take a yoga class, or ride your bike around town. If you’ve been meaning to start a workout routine, this could be the best time to do it — without anyone interrupting to ask for another snack.

Plan a fun welcome-back surprise

Maybe it’s their favorite homemade meal, a special place they love to eat, or a simple night of sharing stories about their time away. They’ll love knowing you were thinking of them while still enjoying your own adventures.  

Enjoy this time — you deserve it 

While your child is off making memories, you have the chance to do the same. Whether you fill your days with relaxation, productivity, or a mix of both, remember this: you’re not just a parent, you’re you. And this is your time to embrace it.

 Reach Helene Abrams with Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service that helps parents find enriching summer overnight experiences for their children, ages 7-18, at 214-693-9259 or Helene@TipsonTripsandCamps.com.