Summer Planning

“The police are hosting it; I hope I get to ride in the cop car!” Dylan, one of Harley’s friends excitedly shared his newest addition to his Summer Camp line-up.

“The police? Will it take place in jail?” Harley asked.

“I don’t know, my mom told me about it last night. She said we will be all over the place. I can’t wait! What are your summer camps again?”

“Harper and I are going to the city’s summer camp for a few weeks, and...“he paused to wave Harper over - the school’s pick-up area could become a bit chaotic, “and I am going to my first soccer camp.”

“Hi guys, what are you two talking about?”

“Summer camps,” Dylan answered.

“Yeah, Dylan is going to a police camp and like ten others!”

“Ten? Ten different weeks of camps?”

“Yep, and at ten different places.”

Harper wondered if she should feel bad or jealous - that sounded exhausting.

“Are you doing the soccer camp with Harley?” Dylan asked.

“I’m going to a gymnastics camp instead.”

Dylan was about to reply, but his name was called for pick-up. 

Once he left, Harper asked Harley, “Do you wish we did more camps?”

Harley shrugged, “I don’t know…the police camp sounded cool, and it would be better than staying at home, but...“ he was interrupted by the call of their names. 

They waved at Mom as they approached their car, tossing their backpacks in the third row and buckling up. There was less than a month left of school, and everyone was buzzing with their upcoming summer plans. Mom and Dad had signed them up for one more week than last year, and they planned on going on a family trip. But they would spend half of the summer at home. 

After answering Mom’s questions about their days and sharing something new they each learned, Harley decided to ask a now-burning question, “Hey Mom, have you heard anything about a police camp?” She had not, and he went on to inform her.

“If that is something that interests you, I can make sure we look into it for next summer.” 

“Why not this summer?”

“You are both already signed up for camps.”

“But only four weeks - I will be home for several more.”

“Remember, you are both getting one additional week this year. Your dad and I talked long and hard about you and your sister’s summer plans, and that was our decision.”

Harper listened but did not want to chime in.

“Yeah, but my friend Dylan is doing ten weeks of camps!”

“Harley.” Mom warned him of his tone, “Dylan’s parents made their decision and your dad and I made ours.”

“But it’s not fair! I’m going to be bored while my friends are having fun!”

“Harley, it is not okay to compare your life with your friends. How Dylan’s parents make their decisions for their family may differ from your dad’s and mine. This does not mean we love you any more or less, but we chose your summer schedules on what we feel is in your and your sister’s best interests.”

Harley crossed his arms.

“You get to go to a soccer camp this year when last year you only did the city camps.”

He recrossed his arms with a huff. 

“That is a big step, this will be the first time the two of you will be separated at a camp.”

“I’m happy with our camps, Mom.” Harper felt the need to say but didn’t want Harley to be mad. 

“I’m happy too, it’s just… I’d like to do more….” Harley shook his head, giving up on his argument. 

Mom looked back at the twins in her mirror, “I understand, but instead of focusing on what we do not have, we should redirect our focus onto what we do have. Think of all the fun you’re going to have and all the memories you’re going to make.”

“I’m hoping to learn a new skill at gymnastics camp that I can teach Harley at home.” Harper grinned.

Harley laughed at the thought. Thinking about what he would learn at the new soccer camp, he realized that he should be happy with the opportunities that his parents set up for him instead of being jealous of his friend having more.

“We are going to have our best summer yet.” He declared, finding his mom’s eyes in the mirror and making sure she saw his smile.

*Are you going to any camps or spending quality time at home this summer? What is one thing that you hope to learn? Everyone’s summer may be different, but we all get to enjoy the sunshine!