Intently watching

In Caroline County Maryland there are two middle schools. Colonel Richardson and Lockerman. They. of course, receive students from different areas of the county. Every year the sixth grade classes from these two schools go to a week long camp together at North Bay. This camp is located in North East Maryland. North East is the name of a town in Cecil County, not the location per se. The camp is in a mountainous region. I am not sure how many years this tradition has been going on but quite a number of them. It is a big deal to the kids for a number of reasons. First and foremost is that you go for a week solid. From Caroline county it is about a two hour drive to reach the camp. You will be staying in a cabin,with other students, that you may or may not know. Yes, you may have to bunk with the enemy ! Middle school classes and clashes. It is true that attendance is optional but those not going are subject to ridicule. You can understand how that works. And so there is that pressure. Also 75% of their time and activities will be outdoors. It is a camp after all. In January the conditions can be harsh. There are zip lines to conquer and rope courses. These physical activities are combined with the curriculum is a week long developmental environment. Sort of a " boot camp " in a gentle sort of way. Very stressful for some, and for others a walk in the park.

My Morgan, my dear sweet granddaughter is going through this ordeal even as I write this. This is the beginning of her fourth day. Thankfully, due to modern communicating devices, she has been able to call every evening. I am proud to say she is holding up well. Things were a little touch and go in the beginning, that first day was rough, but adjustments have been made. She was fortunate to have been assigned to a cabin with some of her friends. A lucky break or just karma. I prefer to think the later.Morgan is a very congenial young lady. She will be coming home tomorrow and I am anxious to see her. She is not aware of it, but this event is a life changer. Yes, this is one of those milestones in childhood that usually goes unnoticed by the child. She will be changed ! A bit more mature, a bit more grown up. In our grandchildren that is met with mixed emotions. By the grandparents  not the children ! We love to watch them grow and develop into young " people " but we hate to see the children leave. Bittersweet is the term. Bittersweet.

Morgan is the last of my grandchildren to go through this process. I suppose next up is dating and dances. I'm not of the Jewish faith but all I can say is. OY VEY ! The years and markers are coming faster each day. There are certain " markers " I do not wish to have any knowledge of whatsoever ! The time is fast approaching to just go on trust, let those little birds fly. It's not an easy thing to watch.