There’s that saying – “The days are long, but the years are short” – and wow, does it hit differently this summer.
My oldest, Ben, is heading into his final summer as a camper. Just saying that out loud feels surreal. We’ve been through the packing, the countdowns, the “last suppers” … but this time, it’s different. More emotional. More final. More everything.
Ben keeps catching me in a moment – “Mom, are you okay?”
I think I am. But truthfully? I’m still figuring that out.
As a lifelong camp person, watching my own child reach this milestone is overwhelming. I’ve been wanting to share something for weeks. Ben’s not entirely on board – “Do you have to post about it?” he asked.
I guess I don’t. But I want to. Maybe I need to. Because this story – our story – is the reason I do what I do.
Camp has always held a special place in my heart. It brought incredible people into my life – people who helped shape who I am. For my family, it’s given us something even more lasting: an extended family, built not by blood, but by years of shared summers and unforgettable memories. A magical place that shaped us. Connected us. Grounded us.
As another summer begins, I’m not thinking about first-time camper nerves or bus stop jitters. I’m thinking about Ben. That last year is something we never forget. It marks the end of an era – the culmination of summers that helped shape who he is becoming. No responsibilities beyond showing up, soaking it in, and living 10 for 2 – one last time.
Eight years later, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I’m thrilled for him to spend these seven weeks with the friends who have become his brothers – laughing late into the night, telling Boys Side stories, stepping into the DORM, and soaking up every bit of camp magic. They’ve had skinned knees and bunk pranks and Color War chants that will always live in their bones. I’m also a little sad, knowing this is the last time he’ll experience camp as a kid, especially when I so vividly still remember my last summer. Wasn’t I just a kid (Wait. Don’t answer that!)?
Ben and his friends have grown up together at camp. They’ve faced challenges, made memories, and returned each summer with bigger smiles and deeper bonds. These are the friends you call with good and bad news, laugh and cry with, and grow alongside as their own families take shape. Camp is where they’ve always wanted to be – and where they’ve become the best versions of themselves. Because of each other.
To the parents sending off their oldest for the last time: I see you.
To the kids living out their final summer as campers: soak it in. Hold it tight. These days really do go by fast.
And to Ben: thank you for letting me have a front-row seat to the best summers of your life.
Camp is truly the greatest gift.
And this final summer? It’s one for the books.
About the contributor:
Dara Cohen is a Summer 365 Counselor who lives in Roslyn, NY. She grew up going to Timber Lake Camp and now sends her 3 sons there. Each summer she gets to live vicariously through them.