Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Coming To My Senses

OK, after I wrote that last post, and had to see it all actually in writing, the idea of that camp seemed more and more outrageous. I mean, we could all go to Disney as a family for a week for that! Plus, I'm just uncomfortable with her doing something like this at such a young age - once you've been to a major fancypants camp at TEN, what's left to top THAT?! I know, too, that they get invited back each year, so this wouldn't be the end of it - there would be that kind of money to come up with every year, plus probably twice that when Patrick gets old enough, since he's just as smart and capable as she is.

The more I thought about it, and looked at the website, the more I started to think about why the cost would be so high, and whether the camp could possibly offer something good enough to justify it, and my answer kept coming up as no. I think they're charging that because they can, because they're in Chevy Chase, which is in one of the richest counties in the country. I started having images of the kids (and parents) that would be there, and the sense of entitlement that is probably there with them, and my stomach turned a little. It all started seeming really pompous. Those aren't our values. If she was older, that would be different, like if she was sixteen and wanted to go on one of the church mission trips to Africa, or go with Habitat for Humanity for a week, or go to a special program that focused on what she, at sixteen, was thinking of for college.

So, we'll see what I hear this morning from the teacher who nominated her, but I doubt we're going to change our minds at this point. There are great classes at the community college over the summer that she can take, and maybe there are other opportunities that will come down the pike. I just can't think of what she could say to change my mind.

11 comments:

Kelsey said...

Ha! Well now I feel like I should retract the comment I made on your previous post. I will say, though, that the leadership program I did was during my teenage years. And there are lots of places where her leadership skills could be developed. YMCA summer camps are great for that and are probably a more reasonable cost!

Anonymous said...

I hadn't read this yet either when I commented on the last post. I stand by what I say, but I do agree with what you've said here. It was an honor to be invited, hopefully she'll be invited again, and if you know beforehand of the cost and she really wants to go another year, she can plan accordingly.

Not Your Aunt B said...

I think that camp (or any camp for that matter) or the community college classes would be great. She obviously is already on the right track just by being nominated!

Kristi said...

I'm glad I read both posts before commenting! While I do think it is a great opportunity, I also think $2k for 1 week is insane. I would rather spend the money on a great family vacation too. Josie has plenty of years to go to camp, and since she's brilliant, I think these opportunities will come often for her!

LoriD said...

New thought - maybe Josie could still fundraise, but for your Disney trip. Hee.

I wonder if the teacher that nominated her knows how expensive the camp is. I would think that $2000 for a week of camp would be out of reach for most families.

Susiewearsthepants said...

TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! That is completely insane! It is flattering to be nominated, but personally I wouldn't spend that kind of money on a camp either. Sniff....then Mommy wouldn't be able to get her nails done.

Deleted said...

I think you should go with your gut on this one, I've read both of them at the same time too.
But that is very costly for a week.

clueless but hopeful mama said...

Sorry, I'm delayed in responding but my answer is the same: HOLY MOLY that's so much money.

I just called my folks and left a message asking how much my leadership camp cost. I seriously hope it wasn't that much because that's INSANE.

I like the idea of her raising most of the money herself, if she's really really motivated to do it. Otherwise, I agree, she would probably be better served by local, cheaper camp AND an awesome family vacation.

(And I thought diapers were expensive!)

Elizabeth Channel said...

It's a lot of dough, and there are so many other great camps out there--even camps for high achievers that aren't that expensive!

I agree it is such an honor for her to be nominated but I'm with you--think about what a mission trip would teach her vs this camp.

Anonymous said...

I think Josie should feel AWESOME about herself for being invited to such a camp. But I think, from what I read about her on your blog, that she is beyond smart enough to understand about the outrageous cost. And if she's disappointed, I would just try to research other, less expensive, options with her. Getting her exciting about an affordable alternative would help her to focus less on what she's NOT getting to do.

Also, your idea of classes at the community college sounds perfect; really, could te sleepaway give her any more than she'd get at the comm college? I don't think so. I think you're making the right decision.

Stimey said...

I love your reasoning on this. It seems really solid. Maybe have her save some money every summer for an end of high school summer extravaganza to Europe! And you're right, there have to be more reasonable programs.