Today started an internal debate about Jack going to summer school.

He loves being with his best friend who is also signed up for the same camp, but he hate authority.

Summer Camp Buddies

My girlfriend and I signed the boys up together. I’d hate to sell her out at this point. I’d be upset if she did it to me.

Near the end of the school year we had to drag him kicking and screaming to class. But we persisted. Occasionally during those last few weeks the teacher called to come get him, they were unable to get him to behave or listen.

I figured camp with his best friend would be different. Less structure, less time away (it’s only 3 days a week, 3 hours each time). But right from the start he and the camp councilor clashed.

I signed him up because I didn’t want him to be the only kid without a camp. At his age most kids are in something at least a few days a week. Wouldn’t he be bored hanging out his mom and kid brother all day?

I signed him up because I was worried I’d be overwhelmed with them both at home for the entire summer.

I don’t want him thinking he can abuse authority, not listen, and misbehave and that will get him the reward of doing what he prefers.

But now that summer has arrived I am actually enjoying having him with me. It’s more fun with Jack around. And guess what, he and Ben play quite nicely together! There is so much I want to do this summer I’m finding it hard to fit it all in with camp. And I’m sure my mother would say (if she weren’t in Vietnam right now) to keep him home, enjoy it because it goes so quick.