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American Camp Association, Camps, Government, Labor Day, Midwest, Northern Michigan, Opening Day, Parenting Magazine, Pawn Stars, Recreation, Rules, Safety, Sheridan Mountain Campus, summer vacation, United States, Virginia
Summer vacation comes late to Virginia public schools. Today is their last day; Tuesday, June 18th. KT always missed these final days of school so I could get her to Northern Michigan for camp’s Opening Day, which occurred for Midwest camps over the weekend. It was tough motivating her toward perfect attendance all year, knowing this conflict loomed. I always felt guilty about her missing school, although the only real lesson imparted these last few days is that government is inflexible. Yes, I know we need rules. They keep us safe, calm and civil. But kids should have different rules shortly after Memorial Day.
Prince William County Virginia Crossing Guard. Thank-you Marietta!
When we moved here from Nebraska twenty years ago, I noticed an increased government presence. The crossing guards impressed me most of all. They are police department employees through the Crossing Guard Bureau. They wear spiffy white caps, official badges, WHITE gloves, and they will not hesitate to put their lives in peril to stop traffic. Some of the streets are quite busy. All the commuters are angry and impatient. Most notably, Virginia is HOT in June, especially when standing in the sun on asphalt. I assumed the guards vacationed over the summer until I chatted with Marietta yesterday. She enters pawn tickets into the police department data base between assignments. Hmmm… they never mention this on Pawn Stars. Perhaps it would deter customers if they knew. More government. More rules. More protection. I forgot to ask Marietta if the gloves come off for this.
It’s not too late to rescue your kids from a summer of home rules, city dangers, and government protections. You can still send them to camp, especially if you live in Virginia*. Go to the American Camp Association website, search for the best fit, and have the fortitude to send them. Pawn them away from your television and their game consoles. Send them into nature. They will be safe. And, they will return to you much improved.
(You can read about camp, and journey there in your imagination by reading Memory Lake: The Forever Friendships of Summer.)
* Sheridan Mountain Campus’ summer registration is still open!
campfirememories 
Another thoughtful and nostalgia-filled post, Nancy. My mom was a crossing guard, and she got to know all the kids who crossed. She had a uniform, and we called her “Deputy Fife.” She missed “her kids” when school was out.
You’re right. School in Virginia goes on too long. If the state legislature let us start before Labor Day as God intended, the kids wouldn’t have to go until nearly the Fourth of July!
Thank you!
I’ve always wondered, “Why can’t we have both?” What time-consuming issues are taught by teachers in public school that should be taught by parents? The answer to that could free up some days. Kids have a saturation point, teachers too, and less classroom time does not necessarily lead to a lack of quality education. Kids need time for creative and physical outlets. Oh dear, I’ve just opened a whole can of political worms, and this is not a political blog. 😉 Anyway, I appreciate the comment. It takes us back to a time when parents were more involved, whether you intended it or not! It’s a great memory.
p.s. I still need to read Memory Lake… I’m sure I will love it… One of these days! 😉
I’m so honored you left a comment. Honestly, I don’t know how you keep up with the boys and writing, and slog through days you can hardly get out of bed. Truly, you are an inspiration for making the most out of every day we are given. Bless you.
http://cancerinmythirties.wordpress.com/
I am not one to get easily choked up anymore, but your comments are always so touching and kind. It’s words like these that give me the energy to push onward. Thank you from the bottom of my heart… xo
I enjoyed this! Kids these days spend entirely too much time in front of the t.v. or computers or game consoles. I force my to spend time outside or with nature as much as possible. It is always a tough sell, but once I get them out there, they enjoy it! I’m not sure if I’m ready for them to go to a sleepaway camp yet, but I do have outdoor activities planned for the summer. 😉
Silly me. I thought crossing guards were volunteers. How foolish of me to think that parents might be concerned enough about their children’s safety to organize some volunteer parents to do this. Of course government guards are free of facial tattoos, according the Crossing Guard Bureau so it’s probably worth the cost 🙂
Ah, there is so much to your comment… Hmmm, what wouldn’t I say if this weren’t an optimistic, inspirational, apolitical blog about life, summer, and camp. 😉 Sarcasm and all, your comment makes me laugh! Thank you.