As a child, I was captivated by the Hayley Mills rendition of The Parent Trap—a classic that I firmly believe outshines its Lindsay Lohan remake, though I may be a bit biased. I longed for a twin sister, ideally one with a sprawling California ranch, but I wasn’t going to be choosy. The thought of spending an entire summer at camp sounded both thrilling and intimidating. However, aside from one disastrous week at a Girl Scout horseback riding camp in the sweltering, ant-infested suburbs of Florida, I never experienced sleepaway camp myself. Nor did I acquire that elusive surprise twin sister.
So, when my kids reached elementary school, I was determined to send them to camp for at least a week or two. I envisioned them at a picturesque location filled with mountains, waterfalls, and campfire songs—just no hidden twin siblings. The prospect of sending my little ones off to a mountaintop without me was daunting, but my fiercely independent eldest son zealously advocated for his own camp experience. Before I could overanalyze it, I found myself packing shower shoes, extra towels, and marking an endless supply of socks with a Sharpie. Off he went.
This summer marks the fifth year I’ll be sending my boys to summer camp in the stunning mountains of western North Carolina, and I am sure they’ll have a blast. However, I also know what’s in store for me: a case of Refresh Button Syndrome, subtype Sleepaway Camp.
Understanding Refresh Button Syndrome
If you’ve ever sent a child to sleepaway camp, you’re likely familiar with this affliction. We all put on brave faces when we drop our kids off at their cabins, smiling through the excitement. As we drive away, we envision all the things we could do with our newfound freedom—solo Target runs, leisurely pedicures, and uninterrupted date nights. The world is our child-free oyster, even if just for a week.
But here’s the reality: we sit glued to our devices, praying for the camp to upload new pictures of our little ones. We refresh our screens incessantly, convinced that the moment we look away is when the camp photographer will finally share that precious glimpse of our kids.
Refresh. Refresh. Refresh. REFRESH.
And when those photos do appear, we brace ourselves. If our child is absent from the latest batch, panic ensues. Is that a sleeve in the corner of the 200th picture? I’m quite certain that’s the tie-dyed shirt I bought during a Lands’ End sale, perfect for summer camp. But no—another mom must have had the same idea, because that’s not my child. Where is my kid?
I confess, I’ve emailed the camp more than once, inquiring if my child is still present after two days without a single photo. My finger has ached from constant refreshing, and my imagination runs wild: what if he fell off a cliff during a hike or got lost during the campfire? Where could he possibly be?
Refresh. Refresh. Refresh.
In reality, he is there, thriving as he plays games, learns new skills, and dives into adventures—happily evading the camp photographer. Did he forget that his mother is anxiously waiting for a photo of his joyful face? This is all about me, after all. Should I have mentioned that?
In the coming weeks, I will pack their camp duffels with care, label every item, and prepare for the inevitable chaos of camp life. I’ll drive them up the rugged dirt road to the lush campgrounds, give them hugs, remind them to apply sunscreen, and plead with them to wear deodorant. I’ll reassure myself that they are in good hands.
And, yes, I’ll offer them incentives to stand in front of that camera just once a day. My finger is already itching in anticipation.
For the record, I still dream of attending summer camp in a Hayley Mills kind of way.
Resources for Families
If you’re navigating the world of home insemination, you might find helpful insights in our other blog posts, like this one about home insemination kits. Additionally, for families seeking donor sperm, you can learn more from the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health, an invaluable resource. Lastly, for further information about pregnancy and home insemination, check out IVF Babble, which is a fantastic resource.
In summary, the anticipation and anxiety that come with sending kids to sleepaway camp often lead to an obsessive need to refresh our screens for updates. While our children are off making memories, we are left anxiously hoping for just one glimpse of their smiling faces.