Happy Campers

I'm a writing machine these days, no?  I am truly a creature of habit.  I looked back and last year I had 12 posts in June.  I'm telling you, there is something to the seasons and their effect on me.
I have just been filling out paperwork for my oldest to go to a mini-camp this summer.  Mini-camp does not mean day camp, it means overnight camp.  I find it hard to believe and I keep crying as I am muddling my way through the many forms we are required to fill out.  I don't question whether or not Ruby is ready for the experience.  She asked me several weeks ago if she could go to camp this summer.  I am guessing she would eagerly go to camp for a whole week if we let her, although she might get homesick after the novelty wore off.  She is an independent child, self confident, social, happy go lucky, easy to get along with.  She enters new situations without fear, eager to see what they might bring.  She is all things good and I want to give her every experience in life that I can.  Reading through the packet it talks about preparing them in the weeks before camp, so they know what to expect, don't feel stressed out about the unknown, etc.  I think my Ruby, unlike me, welcomes change and what is new and different.  She doesn't shy away from new experience, she jumps at the chance more often than not.  I think I am probably the one who needs preparing, not her.
I am going to have to wrap my head around her being away, on her own (not really, but it feels that way a little) before I start talking to her about what it will be like.  I certainly don't want to break down crying as I describe camp life to her.  She is going with one of her friends and there are several other kids that will be there that she knows.  It just feels like a big developmental step!  I'm not a worrier, I don't think I hold on too tight with my kids, but this one feels hard and particularly emotional for whatever reason.
I still remember going to camp as a kid.  I remember the excitement when you got mail, I remember throwing up on my camp counselor's bunk (she was below me) after eating something that did not agree with me, I remember my sister coming in to comfort me.  I remember my parents picking me up, I remember doing the arts and crafts.  I am excited for her and I can't wait to hear Ruby's stories, to listen to her excitement when she shares her experiences and all she did at mini-camp.