Back from Camp - Notes to Self

I got back on Saturday. I hereby enclose some Lessons Learned, in case I think about doing this again.

• Driving north 3.5 hours with two passengers in the car doesn't mean it'll take you that fast to drive back south. Check traffic congestion in Philadelphia before launching on a 5.5 hour drive back. Alone.

• You know you catch colds easily. You were very well prepared with Coldeeze and Vitamin C, but what were you thinking when you neglected to pack the Tylenol Cold to treat the symptoms of a cold?!

• When the Recommended Packing List suggested warm blankets and sweatshirts, don't ignore it, even if the temperatures have been in the 100's the week prior to camp!

• 15 year old girls do not sleep. Deal with it. Don't bother trying to figure out what they talk about all night long. You were 15 years old once, your mother didn't understand it either.

• Adults act like adults, kids act like kids. If you prefer kids, stick to them the entire time and don't bother messing with the adults and their cliques.

• That was a brilliant idea to bring to camp all the most colourful cool pants in your closet. Bring more next time. Kids love it. Gets their attention rather quick.

• 19 year olds are not mature enough to be counselors in a bunk filled with 15 year olds. Question authority next time.

• Don't listen to picky people who claim camp food is awful. Find out if camp's chef does home deliveries.

• After five exhausting days at camp, do not attempt to make your own breakfast. You look rather silly preparing the Pita bread for spreading chocolate over it, only to find out after you've stuck the knife in chocolate that you're holding the wrong end of it. You should be thankful it was a plastic knife and not a steak knife, or you wouldn't be typing this now.

• These may have been 160 very sick kids, but that doesn't make you any healthier. Standing for nine hours while running an activity is not for someone sick. Get a chair. Sit on it. Kids can still hear you.

• When they tell you the camp is in the hills of Pennsylvania, they really mean mountains in Israeli terms. Practicing by walking up and down a hill 15 minutes every morning for two weeks is a noble idea, but not sufficient. Next year start weight lifting and serious strength exercises two months prior to camp. Run a marathon the week prior.

• Shoes bought at a boating store that are meant for water activities are not shower shoes. They do not dry within 24 hours. In fact, they do not dry in 48 hours either. Use sandals instead. Or don't shower.

• When packing your clothes for camp, make sure you pack clothes that can be easily figured out without getting a brain hemorrhage early morning. May want to double-check that bra you took to camp. Something was seriously wrong in its design. Look for instructions. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel stumped.

• Kids are cute, but you can't take them all with you home. You don't have 160 bedrooms.