As we prepare to welcome you to camp tomorrow, our hearts are full. Visiting Day is one of the most special moments of the summer. It’s a day filled with love, hugs, stories, and the beautiful reunion of families. We know how much you’ve been looking forward to seeing your camper, and trust us, they’ve been counting down the days too. Watching you run toward your child’s bunk and wrap them in that first hug is a moment of pure magic — it’s truly unforgettable to witness.
But we also want to gently remind you, this day can bring a wide range of emotions, not just for you, but especially for your child. For the past four weeks, your camper has done something truly extraordinary: they’ve adjusted, embraced, and fully immersed themselves in camp life. They’ve grown in ways that are hard to explain until you see it for yourself. And tomorrow, you’ll get that chance.
That said, transitions can be tricky. For some campers, the excitement of seeing you is mixed with nervous energy and as the day winds down, that emotion can sometimes show up as tears, clinginess, or even acting out. This is completely normal. It’s their way of processing the shift between the world they’ve created here and the deep bond they have with you. Please don’t be surprised if your camper becomes emotional or has a tough time as the day nears its end, it’s all part of this remarkable journey.
We’ve planned an exciting afternoon and evening full of fun activities right after Visiting Day ends; pie eating contest, water balloon throw and a phenomenal silent disco, things that quickly help campers return to their camp mindset and routine. These moments bring them right back into the swing of summer and help ease the transition after saying goodbye. So even if your camper has a hard time saying goodbye, it’s up to you to depart quickly and trust us that we’ve got them.
Throughout the day, we encourage you to let your camper take the lead. Soak in their stories. Meet their new friends. Let them show you where they live, where they eat, and where they play. We’ve worked hard to create a schedule that gives you plenty to do but we hope the day is less about following an itinerary and more about being with your child and celebrating their journey so far.
Enjoy every minute. Tomorrow is a day to celebrate your camper, the friendships they’ve made, the confidence they’ve gained, and the memories they’re still creating. We are so excited to welcome you into their summer home.
See you soon, and get ready for the best Visiting Day ever!
Life is Great at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!