Monday, March 08, 2010

Yohan's First Camping

At first, I was not keen on the idea of my son going on an overnight camping. I felt he was too young for such an activity. I was reluctant to let him join the Prep camping. We had a family talk about it and ...

I was outvoted by the boys. Jules had no problem with it. He said it will be great experience for our son. Yohan was thrilled about the thought of camping with his classmates and teachers. He told me he would be sad if I didn't let him join the group. It was two against one so I conceded. Hubby and I also went to school to talk to our son's adviser. She reassured us that the camping activity would be safe and fun for the kids. It was a good way to teach the kids a little independence.

(Night Before) I felt a little sad as I prepared Yohan's things for camping. I packed his clothes and labeled them accordingly. I guess you can tell that I love zip bags. :) I made sure Yohan had enough drinks and snacks.


(At Bluroze Farms, Lipa) Jules and I brought Yohan directly to the camp site. I felt better knowing that the kids would be sleeping in a house rather than tents. Yohan was welcomed by his teachers and classmates. Yohan asked where his bed was and I saw his face light up with excitement.  Hubby and I kissed Yohan good bye. With a reluctant heart, I walked away from the house. As I followed the path leading to the parking area, I couldn't help but look back every now and then. On the road, I silently prayed for my boy's safety.


(Camp, Day 1 Yohan told me that he had a great time on the first day of camp. They had a nature walk around Bluroze Farm. All the Prep students were given small bags so they could collect little treasures along the way to remind them of their camping experience. Yohan's treasures were feathers, plants and flowers.


Using leaves they found in the nature park, the kids did their own t-shirt painting.


Laughter filled the campsite during the evening. There were fun games, camp fire and hotdog grilling.  Meanwhile, at home, Jules and I couldn't sleep. It was not easy being away from our son for the first time.  We had a DVD marathon and slept early in the morning.  

I asked Yohan if he slept well that evening and he said "I cried silently that night because I missed you and Dad very much." His teacher told me that Yohan had a hard time sleeping at first because the lights were on. His classmates, on the other hand, couldn't sleep with the lights turned off. Dilemma! The teacher turned off the lights when most of the kids were already asleep and Yohan finally dozed off.


(Camp, Day 2 The kids enjoyed singing, story telling and making arts and crafts. They also made pizza and dessert.


(Reunited again) Yohan gave me a very tight hug when we picked him up the following day.  I noticed he was teary eyed. I felt a tug in my heart. Awww ... my little boy missed me as much as I missed him. Before going home, Yohan showed us inside the house. His face was beaming with pride.


I'm glad we let Yohan join the camp. It was a fun and enriching activity after all.


Majority of the photos courtesty of Yohan's teachers.
Camp site: Bluroze Farm, Lipa
Camping period: Jan. 26-27, 2010

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21 comments:

witsandnuts said...

I remember your plurks when Yohan was going to camp. Separation anxiety attacked. =) Must be a memorable experience for him.

Mike Minzes said...

This is sooo cool! Camping is a lot of fun.

julie said...

I am sure Yohan will remember these wonderful days he spent with his teachers and classmates :)

escape said...

nice nice! it's great that he's also exposed to camping just make get the assurance of the teachers for his safety. he sure had a great time doing those artworks. i remember my childhood days.

Mitch said...

Galing! I love how you organized Yohan's things. I can tell from his smiles that he really enjoyed the camp! Korek si Mommy Julie, he will always remember those wonderful days.

Kreez said...

looks like Yohan had lots of fun... in the end it's a good thing that you allowed him to go, he will cherish the memories for life

Chateau said...

Wow, 2 days! It must have been the longest 2 days for you and Jules... and probably for Yohan too. But it must have been an unforgettable and great experience for him.
Milestone 'to for all of you ah. Congrats for making it through. :)

chats
http://imomonline.net

iluvgreen said...

my brother and my SIL felt the same way when there only child went to camping.. it's good for them to be apart to their parents for a while so they can learn, when i become a mom mas matindi pa cguro ako jan baka sumama pa ko sa camping hahah.

I miss u mommy rachel, it's been a long time... madadalas n uli ako dito

Ibyang said...

i can so feel the love and how you missed Yohan. i'm so touched by the relationship you have with your son.

i like that you had a votation at home and that even if you still felt a bit hesitant, you had to give in because it was 2 against 1.

Photo Cache said...

So glad you let him go. Experiences like this build character and promote a lot of good habits including independence, teamwork etc etc etc

Glad to see you back blogging.

Anonymous said...

ganun ata talaga mommies and daddies. fathers like their sons to learn how to be big boys. mommies are more protective. :)

and i remember my first camping din. i was happy being independent during the camping but when i saw my mom and dad when they fetched me from school, i felt "more comfortable"... basta, parang na-relieve ako or something. :D

Alice said...

What fun! I'm glad you allowed Yohan to go. I think that's how my mom felt when I went for my school roadtrips.

Tetcha said...

That seems to be a fun time for Yohan. You have to get used to this kasi mukhang mauulit. What do you think, Mommy?

Kia said...

Ciao Rachel! Finally a little on-line time for me. I’m still in Italy (all white today, it’s snowing!), but I’ll be back next week. Hope you had a lovely Woman’s Day (giorno della donna) the other day. :) My mom and I got a bouquet of yellow mimosa, as tradition says.

I missed reading you! :) How fun for Yohan! Great pics, too! Have a lovely day, dear friend!

jojo said...

Yohan is so lucky for having a mom as caring and as wonderful as you, Rachel.

Here's wishing you success in all that you do. God bless.

Sidney said...

Looks indeed like a fun outing !

Lisa said...

Looks like he had a wonderful time - with loving parents, like you two, he will continue to grow and enjoy life!!

louann said...

What a fun learning experience for Yohan!

Maria @ Conversations with Moms said...

What an amazing adventure. I have to take my kids camping one day.

JO said...

it's time to let go... it's time to admit that our kids are growing up...

Princess said...

Belated though this may be....GOOD JOB, YOHAN!!!!
My, my, how you've grown since I last saw you. Binatang-binata ka na ah! Love you. Lola P

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