A little love cheer to kick off this mother’s day post… because a camp cheer is always appropriate, of course.
I love you mom, oh yes I do
I don’t love anyone as much as you
When you’re not near me, I’m blue
Oh mom, I love you
(yes I do…and it’s true…woop woop de doo)
And now a handwritten typed letter I wanted to share with my mom (and you all) to celebrate this very special day.
Dear Susan,
Happy happy happy Mother’s Day! You are so many things to me — my role model, mentor, best friend, heart and soul, and business partner. And today I celebrate one of your crowning achievements and greatest roles of all, as a mom. Your unconditional love, infectious energy, and passion is the fuel of inspiration and motivation that always lit up our house. Growing up at Camp Kasnett was a magical place filled with lots of laughter, memorable times, and one heck of a canteen.
Today has a whole new meaning to me, being that is my first one as a mother. As I reflect on the wonderful and wild journey and gift of being a mom, my gratitude, respect, and appreciation of you has reached a new apex. Today especially, I want to thank you for being YOU.
- I thank you for your strong voice… which told dad that sleepaway camp was a must, a non negotiable for your children. *Side note, I strongly suggest everyone enters into a campnuptial agreement with their spouse. My husband and I are currently negotiating terms and conditions ;)
- I thank you for loving me so big, beyond explanation … but also knowing that time away from home and without you, at camp, would provide endless opportunity for growth, development, and a chance to build my self confidence and independence in ways beyond what I could learn at school or home.
- I thank you for your maternal instincts … and having the confidence in me when I was 7.5 to go to camp for the whole summer despite me coming home from almost every sleepover I went on! *#truth, I am an exception to the rule of using sleepovers as a barometer to gauge sleepaway camp readiness
- I thank you for your generosity … sending me to camp for 12 summers, 9 glorious and life changing years as a camper and three years as a counselor (in what would be one of the most meaningful jobs I’ve ever had). I know camp is no small financial undertaking, and I appreciate every single dollar spent. It was one of the greatest investments you could make and I have committed all of my days and energy, now, to paying it forward.
- I thank you for your intelligence, hard work, and unwavering belief in me … You have spent the last 20 years working with families to give their children the gift of camp and had a hand in creating thousands of very happy campers. You have given me the great fortune of taking me under your wing and allowing me to pursue my greatest passion as a career!! I could not be more grateful for this journey we have been on together.
So here’s to you mom, today and always.
Love Always,
Lauren
