And another child walks away

So after all that angst yesterday morning as soon as we arrived at the entrance of my daughter's camp, my angst was replaced with relief and anticipation. There were people in costumes greeting everyone as we drove up. Soon to discover they were the counsellors who seemingly were from everywhere. They all also seemed genuinely pleased to be there as well. Making the transition that much easier for me and my daughter.

The setting was spectacular. The camp in the middle of the woods. Tall trees. Private and most of all it felt safe. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Housed in what seemed to be a performing artist's dream setting.

As our car arrived at the steps of the building, we both became really excited. The entrance to the building was decorated with red and white balloons and even more counsellors dressed in costumes. They whisked us out of the car after asking my daughter 's name while one of them escorted us into the building so we could register. As if they were fairies taking us to dreamland.

Inside was even more lively. Rustic setting with wooden floors and walls - a cabin like feeling. Warm and inviting. The atmosphere was electric. There was a teacher playing the piano while three young girls were belting out songs. Though it was chaotic, it was an ordered and joyous chaos. The woman checking my daughter in loved her name, Sedona-Sky and took great pleasure in telling her. After registering and finding out my daughter's room number, we next had to hand in her phone.
The camp does not allow contact between the children and the outside world until after the first week because they want them to become immersed before allowing in any outside distractions. And they do not allow any IPads, tablets, computers of any sort for that matter because they want the 100% attention of the children. And to make sure they have it, there is no wifi up there either. Three weeks without surfing the net for 10 to 18 year olds in this day and age in a different setting would be challenging. However looking around and feeling the buzz of the place, I didn't think it would be a problem there. Particularly since not one child seemed to have an issue handing in their phones - to be returned after one week.

After handing in her phone, we then went to the nurse to have her checked out - height, weight ,
temperature taken, questions asked about her general health and then we were free to go up to her
room. 

We walked past the lively piano player and singers and climbed the stairs to her floor. Much to my daughter's delight her floor counsellor had streaks of pink hair pulled back on one side with a red sequined bow! And she was bubbly and friendly. I could see any angst my daughter may have still carried melting before my eyes. Again her name Sedona-Sky a huge hit. Everyone loving her name,

We walked into her room to find 4 bunks and 4 chest of drawers with a bathroom for the 4 to share. Standing nervously there was one of her roommates . Immediately the two of them hitting it off. Both discovering they are 11 and the first time for them both to be there. Her roommate excited when she discovered my daughter was from Bermuda because that's where her patents had gone for their honeymoon.

We got her bed made, clothes unpacked and suitcase packed away. Just as we were about done, in came bubbly but nervous roommate number 3 who was a strong contender for the character Annie,
red short curly hair and round face. She came in like a whirlwind then disappeared like one as well
when she discovered she had not registered nor been to the nurse.

By that time my daughter and roommate number 1 had bonded so my daughter was looking at me like so when are you going to leave. I asked her if she wanted to do the tour. She went in search of her floor counsellor who told her where to go. She decided because her roommate was on her own, she wanted me to leave so she could keep her company much to my chagrin.
No tour for me. I was disappointed but relieved at the same time. Disappointed because I was not ready to leave her yet but relieved because she was comfortable enough to want me to go so she could get on with it. Taking a page out of her brother's book I guess.
I asked her if she was sure she wanted me to leave. She said yes without hesitation. I hugged her tight. Had her call her papa one last time because we would not speak to her for a week. After they spoke I took photos of them and the room then walked empty handed down the stairs full of joy and pride at my daughter's confidence and ability to make friends so easily.
Now I am on my way back home after waking several times during the night looking for my heat seeker only to remember she is off on her new adventure. Leaving me behind without a second glance. Heart full of conflicting emotions as I think about my baby on her way.