The biggest step for first timers is letting go. It’s that moment at drop off when the camper is settled and it’s time to say goodbye to start a different kind of summer.

No, I’m not talking about the campers; I’m talking about the parents.

Up until that moment you’ve probably done a great job getting your child ready for summer camp. You’ve signed them up, gotten them all the camp gear, spent hours pouring over lists, you’ve put their name in all of their underwear, packed up all the shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes and sporting gear that they will ever need (and some that they won’t). Then that moment comes and it’s hard to let go.

You want to stay. Yes, you know that their stuff is good to go; you know they’re in good hands. You’ve met the counselor and a few of the bunkmates. But you just can’t bring yourself to go. I mean, this is your baby, I understand, it’s hard.

But here’s the problem: it’s harder if you stay. You need to go, not only for yourself, but for your camper.  They’ll have a great time.

It’s hard to believe that camp is just 1 week away.  Everyone on staff who I’ve spoken to who has worked here before says the same thing (in one form or another):

“It feels like just yesterday when we left.”

I agree.  Camp has that way about it.  When you get back here, you immediately get that feeling like you never left.  Then you walk around and start noticing things that are different from when you were here last.  That is the reminder that you actually did leave.  The good news is that it always feels familiar.  For the people who are new, the good news is that everything seems new and exciting.

The ‘Tsof’ field, for example, has been completely leveled.  It also has sprinklers and brand new grass.  I was just walking across it today appreciating how great it looks.  Oh, and did I mention the rocks that are lining both sides of the field?  That’s right, no more driving on the field.  Don’t worry, we have another place for parents to park their cars on Visiting Day.  Stay tuned.

I often hear people talking about how they live 10 months for the 2 at camp.  Well, we are just about at the end of the 10th month and that can only mean one thing:  It’s about time to start the 2.  I can’t wait.

See you soon.

-Matt

I’m Matt Brand and I’ll be your host for the evening (and your camp director).  Welcome to the all new Camp Tevya blog: Potanipo View.  We at the Cohen Camps decided it was time to open a new line of communication with Camp Tevya Nation and people who might be interested in us, and talk about camp year-round.

Before I became the Director, I was a camper, counselor, head counselor, and held other various positions at camp.  Whether you are a current camper, a current parent of a current camper, a current parent of a might-be camper, a former camper, or just someone interested in Camp Tevya, this is the blog for you.

We are going to talk about all sorts of things here. We’ll talk about new programming, familiar Tevya faces, new Tevya faces, and other topics of interest.

Check back frequently to see what happens next (or already happened and you just don’t know yet).

To paraphrase alumnus Mike Gustat (and friends): Potanipo. It’s where we all love to go. It has brought, and will continue to bring, us all special memories and I am reasonably sure you already know:

Potanipo is so much more than just a lake.

We really dig your sand.

Potanipo.

-Matt