Emersyn is off to her first over-night sleep camp. This camp only offers 2-weeks as a minimum stay. The Greer children, Katy and Margaret, have gone for the past 3 years and love it. Emmy could not go to the same session (D) as Margaret because it was full and we needed to come back to Shanghai before it ended. For the first time, Katy was going for 4 weeks as a Counselor-In-Training since she is 15 years old. Emmy was original signed up for session B as the only open spot. I had her wait listed for Session C, as it worked better with our summer schedule. After I got her moved to Session C, I found out Katy would be at camp for Session C & D. That made me feel better as Emmy was not going to know anyone at camp. She could at least find Katy if she needed help or anything. Katy is a great kid.

Emmy and I packed her Rubbermaid bin, a recommendation from Elizabeth Greer (the Mom). Terri and Andy went with us to the bus pick-up in Palo Alto on Sunday morning. She was excited and we were nervous for her.

Camp has one-way communications. We can send cards and two care packages. We can also send emails, but they can not contact us as it only adds to the homesickness. Everyone sent Emmy cards – Grandma, Mimi, Terri, Dad and me. She did report back she had the most cards AND my care packages were the best. I put candy (for the whole cabin to share), little toys, card games, markers, a tote and other Target items I could find in the care packages.

Our first card we received from Emersyn was a postcard of camp. She wrote:

Dear Family,
I’m having a great time here but I miss you. Thanks for the package. I love it. I really love the postcard. Did you know there is a bear around camp. Miss you much!!

Love,
Emmy

Elle did not like that there was a bear at camp. She said to tell Emmy to NOT use the bathroom at night or the bear might get her. She thought maybe she should come home as we don’t have bears here.

My next card that arrived told the story that she was homesick. I had sent Emmy to camp with cards with postage and addresses ready to mail to the each of the family. Here is my card:

Dear Mom,
I’m homesick. I miss you guys soooo much. Some times I don’t eat and I’ve been crying at night a little. Please could you send me more cards so I can remember you. Here the food is okay…and the showers aren’t that great but anyway. We’re going on the mist trail this Thursday and I’ve been writing about my days in my journal. I have taken pictures too.
Can you send me letters that you write to me and can you send me plain letters so I can write you? Thanks!! Miss you and home sick. Camp is fun, but I don’t know if I can last 2 weeks.
Love Emmy

We sent her an email every day after receiving this. I sent her a card or two a day. In addition, I received a follow-up call from Camp about Emmy being homesick. They said she wasn’t the worst case of homesickness, but she was a bit sad. I asked them to go find Katy. Terri wanted to drive to Camp and get Emmy right away!

My third postcard read:
Dear Mom,
The picture on the front is what we saw when we hiked the mist trail. I am a little homesick but I’m having a great time.
Love Emmy
ps. I just got a secret sister note!! Excited!!

My fourth postcard read:
Mom,
Today was trading post day. I got a really cool thing there. Guess what I am not homesick. I haven’t been since the first Wednesday of the week. I made a lot of things: global piggy bank, lanyard for Elle, Halloween bowl for Terri and Andy.
Love Emmy

And we were all so worried about her. By the time we got her cards, she was done being homesick and having fun.

My last postcard read:
Dear Mom,
Did you know that you can send more than 1 package a week. As you know what I’m saying, could you send me another package even if it gets here on Thursday or Friday. I know what I want in it. Here is the list: stamps for cards and postcards, cards, post cards. A folder to hold everything and some more pencils. I want the package not only for camp but for friends too. Please don’t take this the wrong way.
Love Emmy

I received this on Thursday, the day before we were leaving to get her. I don’t think she understands the snail mail takes a few days to arrive. I had sent her with only one pre-addressed card for each of the family. I didn’t want her to feel she needed to spend her time writing us…to just have fun.

We all can’t wait to go see Camp and Emersyn!