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Thursday, 27 Adar I, 5784
  |  March 7, 2024

Oy! Here Comes Visiting Day

From the COLlive inbox: A mother of youngsters at overnight summer camp explains why she dreads the monthly Visiting Day. Full Story

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a camper
August 9, 2015 9:44 pm

im a camper who loves camp and went for 3 years already and i love it. but i still think there should be visiting day. you can really speak to your parents about stuff you cant on the phones and a mouth is a long time to be away. i think there should be visiting day. please dont take it away!!!!!

Has the Rebbe ever spoken about visiting day?
August 5, 2015 12:01 am

As a single mother, I was also thinking, “Do I really need to go, it’s so hard, money, the time…” and the boy I’d be visiting is not seemingly the emotional type. But I came, and at some point during the few hours there, I said something about being sorry I didn’t have a car to be able to take him somewhere nice, and he said it doesn’t matter, it just matters that you came. Boy was I glad I went. When I was a kid in elementary school, we had one day where our parents could come to sit… Read more »

#117
August 3, 2015 4:14 pm

That is a cheap shot at “Chabad-lite”. We are parents that are “Chabad-lite” and are proud of ourselves. We have superior skills in parenting than nearly all the old-fashioned closed-minded farfrumt neighbors in our community. We are open minded and forward thinking, accepting and tolerant. It doesn’t matter the length of the sleeve or the garb. What matters is the attitude.

Please do NOT come visit me
August 3, 2015 11:59 am

Dear Tatty and Mommy, I am writing this with the greatest of respect. You know I love you both but please do not come visit me in camp. I have grown a great deal in camp. I have become very chassidish and even got a very short hair cut – so I no longer have a “chube” covering half my forehead. I put away my suede yarmulrka with the Nike logo that you bought me. Instead I took some canteen money and bought a plain black yarmulka. I am asking that you please do not visit me on visiting day… Read more »

visiting day dilemma
August 2, 2015 8:28 am

We live far away from camp. Often visiting day is during the 9 days. We would have to spend Shabbos away too in order to arrive at the camp by Sunday. Not a simple thing. Nor did we have relatives each year who could go instead. Did my kids suffer? Not sure. Did they understand? Not sure. So for us eliminating visiting day would put my kids on the same level as all the new Yorkers or Canadians. I did in the older days write letters almost every single day and now email many times each week. Just to show… Read more »

"over 7 hour journey"
August 1, 2015 11:16 pm

Keep in mind the poster probably did two trips already.
One trip to bring the child TO camp and another to pick up FROM camp. Now they have to make a THIRD trip for visiting day.

For my self and I guess the writer of the article, it is one big OY.

really?
August 1, 2015 10:17 pm

Haven’t had time to ready all the comments, but as a recent camper (5 years ago) I can say with certainty that although I was very independent from the get go, nevertheless my father flew in every visiting day which is obviously a tremendous hassle. But he came with joy to a) see camp and how its evolved, reminisce, and actually meet his children’s staff who care for them for a full summer. B) to see his children who although left only 2 weeks ago, and are/were extremely independent nonetheless treasure showing their role model HOW the are independent and… Read more »

From a camper
July 31, 2015 4:17 pm

As a camper I can tell you that I actually don’t want my parents to come on visiting day, and told them so. At the end of visitig day my first year I was almost crying and counting down until I would go home. And I was havjng such a good time before visiting day… So parents… I really suggest to put your CHILDREN first if they want you to come.

Camp
July 31, 2015 6:59 am

i feel that camp is a valuable experience. I’ve been to camp before. And I’ve been to my kids camps during visiting day. My kids always liked it when we came. Money is a problem especially when the camp has no bus to take the parents to the camp. Yes it is expensive to rent a car and it is expensive the whole day. Do I advocate it? No not really. I also think it’s a waste of money and visiting day should be abolished. On the other hand if the camp has visiting day than at least on of… Read more »

Camp Director
July 31, 2015 2:37 am

As a camp director let me tell you what one of our campers said. “Visiting day is so stupid, if you get visitors, you’re sad when they leave, if you don’t have a visitor you’re sad that no one came. I thought camp is to be happy and have fun. Not be sad

hot topic
July 31, 2015 12:27 am

seeing the number of responses.
I agree there should be no visiting day, but i think yeshivos should be year round with several 1 week breaks and there should be no summer camps. yes, i know the rebbe supported and maybe even opened camps, but he also supported no breaks. if you make a 9 month school year you have to make a program for the other 3 months, but if you make a year round program you don’t need to. having year round school would solve another mishigas – summer homes.

Been there done that
July 30, 2015 8:58 pm

The very name of this article is disturbing. Oy?? Parenting is a privilege, and a responsibility. While I understand that visiting day puts us parents out, there is so much to be gained by making the effort. It is understandable that sometimes, it may not be possible for parents to travel such long distances for personal reasons, but just because “it’s a pain” is a poor excuse to not go spend time with our kids. Just to clarify- I have B”H spent many visiting days with my kids, and have been stressed out about all the traveling, either on an… Read more »

a camper
July 30, 2015 7:20 pm

visiting day should not be abolished. if you dont want to visit, DONT. no one is forcing you too.

camper's perspective
July 30, 2015 6:27 pm

i’ve been a camper for several years already and i’ve never seen a camper cry at the end of visiting day, unless they are having a bad year. visiting day is a good thing, and should not be abolished. to visit or not, is to each his own. but visiting day is generally productive and positive. if you want, you can ask your child what he\she feels.

Out of towners
July 30, 2015 4:57 pm

For the numerous shluchim and other out of towners who need to do long drives to bring their kids to the bus to camp and to pick up, visiting is one extra long trip that really means driving every two weeks which is too much

Why so all those kids whose parents cNt come need to sit through visiting day?

im so sick and tired of every article being about $$$
July 30, 2015 2:58 pm

Add visiting day to the cost of camp if your worried about the tolls. Don’t tip the counselors if you have no funds. But don’t short change your kids. I’m sooo tired of every negative article, cost of schools, cost of dating, cost of being frum. These are ALL choices we make by having large families. I’m in the same boat. I live penny to penny. But I don’t complain, because it’s my choice to send my child to camp or school. No one has forced me. And the summers I can’t afford camp, I just Google free things to… Read more »

omg
July 30, 2015 2:50 pm

I’m sorry but your kids will always need you, even in adulthood. Even if they are fine and loving camp, they still would want to see you. This is a chance to share with them and see how they are experiencing camp. It’s a great lesson in communication. I’d hate to see your kids rationalizing whether to visit you when your old since, your obviously fine and it’s just too inconvenient. Parenting is not a choice!
Be honest do you send your kids to camp for their enjoyment or for yours?

to 89...absolutely WRONG
July 30, 2015 2:22 pm

I have been in camp recently (from 2014 as my last and 2009 as my 1st) and its not true campers seem more happy after visiting day how could a parent know? 30 min after they leave he is fine yes when you leave he will be upset but so to when he leaves for camp he is also upset, its the fact that he is leaving you now. (ps. I all wayswent to parksville barely got visiters yet was perfectly fine my parents always told me b/4 that they cant come.)

Completely WRONG
July 30, 2015 2:06 pm

Visiting day is not a must if you want u can go why should all camps close visiting day b/c of a few parants who feel obligated to visit. U feel your son will feel left out? Tell them before your not able to come. Oh they won’t be able to handle it? Keep them home. What about fun? Send them to day camp it’s really not a big deal I think camps should continue visiting day for parants who are able to come or WANT to come. From a yeshiva Bocher who out of 8 months of camp got… Read more »

Yasherkoach¡¡¡
July 30, 2015 2:01 pm

I would like to thank all the concerned mothers that have all been in a boys gan yisroel,for deciding what all the campers in camp don’t need to see there parents BC its unconvinnient for you to go for visiting day ayasherkoach!!

I'm sorry
July 30, 2015 1:58 pm

I’m a parent and can’t wait for visiting day! I don’t think I would send my kids away if I can’t see them for a month! Yes, it is expensive and far and a hassle but its so rewarding, my kids don’t cry when we leave, they’re happy we came and makes it easier on them. Plus we make great memories! Please don’t stop visiting day…

Ha..
July 30, 2015 1:24 pm

You think visiting day is for parents to see their children? It’s for the tips!

To all those that don't agree.. MUST READ
July 30, 2015 1:02 pm

ALL / MOST that say we should have it, 1. are in the country or shorter drive – not such a big hassle 2. Have the freedom of having a bit more time on their hands.. FACT: After visiting day look around and MANY children are not with smiles as their parents left… with FACETIME for CAMPER / COUNSELOR you could see both, your child and also PAYPAL the staff after talking to them..! THINK OF IT a HUGE Benefit!!

I agree with #56 and several other comments
July 30, 2015 12:53 pm

Bottom line: If you show your child throughout the year that you care about his or her day-to-day experiences, then you can set your boundaries about what is too much for you and still have your child feel grateful, rather than deprived. As an example, we send one of our daughters to a small, frum arts camp with a 2-week program. Obviously we aren’t going to make an extra 8+-hour drive each way to see her performance, especially since we drive her there and pick her up! She takes pictures and videos with her camera of the grounds, her friends,… Read more »

keep school open
July 30, 2015 12:51 pm

Yeshivas and chedurim should stay open. We can have father and sons, mothers and daughter learning days in school.

This conversation about visiting day (although correct under the current unfortunate situation), is a distraction. Think out of the box. It’s a shame that every yeshiva and chader closes its door for three months every year. Half a year the kids talk about this past summer and before you know it (chanukah), they have their heads in next summer.

leave visit day alone
July 30, 2015 12:39 pm

How about coming when we want
DO AWAY WITH VISITING DAY
ALL PARENTS CAN COME WHEN THEY PLEASE …LOL

campers prespective:
July 30, 2015 12:09 pm

wow how ignorant!! coming from a mother who pashut cant shlep to go see her son, is the only reason you sent your son to camp is so that you will have some peace and quiet for 2 months not having to deal with waking your kids up for school ect? And bec you don’t want to, that doesn’t mean all other kids in camp have to suffer with no cereal and pickles for the rest of the summer. and ya the reason why no one is happy after visiting day is beacause maybe camp isnt all that fun,your coming… Read more »

BubbyBoca
July 30, 2015 12:02 pm

Story from over 25 years ago: We understood we were NOT physically able to visit our children in camp. We also understood the impact of NOT being with them on that “important” day. We considered the available choices and came up with the only solutions in those days…either we sent them to an out-of-state camp that did not have a visiting day (which by the way was unfortunately more expensive) or had them attend our local day camps at their Yeshivas or went to a bungalow as a family. Every year was a scramble to take all factors into consideration…each… Read more »

children @ camp
July 30, 2015 10:32 am

35 years ago when kids were send to camp at 5 years old, visiting day was needed, nowadays, most kids go to camp at an average age of 10, for one month, IF THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO BE AWAY, THEY DONT NEED VISITING DAY.

Seichl
July 30, 2015 10:10 am

It is difficult and sad for kids when there Is visiting day and their parents don’t come. But of there was no visiting everybody would be fine . Kids could show their parents around camp when they come pick them up. If you would like to create a treasured memory for your child you can make pick up day be that wonderful bonding time day. Take them out for pizza and a trip on the way home or if you can’t pick them up make them a huge party when they return.

To all those that don't agree.. MUST READ
July 30, 2015 10:09 am

ALL / MOST that say we should have it, 1. are in the country or shorter drive – not such a big hassle 2. Have the freedom of having a bit more time on their hands.. FACT: After visiting day look around and MANY children are not with smiles as their parents left… with FACETIME for CAMPER / COUNSELOR you could see both, your child and also PAYPAL the staff after talking to them..! THINK OF IT a HUGE Benefit!!

In Bad Taste
July 30, 2015 10:01 am

The people who are bringing up couples who can’t have children, can’t afford camp, and (unbelievably) have lost a child are way out of bounds. Those situations don’t compare at all. It’s like you’re trying to use any dirty tactic you can find to make a parent feel guilty enough to go to visiting day.

Parents/Children
July 30, 2015 9:52 am

A op-ed about how the parents shouldn’t be troubled by visiting day, with the long drive and extra money on gas etc., seems all about how it affects the parent. Focus on how life impacts your child rather than how it impacts you. I am not an expert in child psychology so I will allow those who understand children’s emotional behavior to respond to the question of whether visiting day is helpful or detrimental to the child. Thinking an half hour a day about your children’s chinuch is also time consuming, yet the Rebbe writes in Hayom-Yom that “Every Jew… Read more »

Camps listen up
July 30, 2015 9:42 am

Majority of parents agree to do away with visiting day!

Agree with 64&71
July 30, 2015 9:28 am

We should think of the dangers of causing parents to drive in the 3 weeks or even worse near the 9 days
Driving through the night
And than returning the next day means
Some parents have not slept properly for 48 hours

may we all waste money in such pleasurable ways
July 30, 2015 9:16 am

sending your daughter away for a year to sem complain about the costs and bring her home for pesach 6 weeks before the sem year finished . does that make sense?

MAKE YOUR OWN DICISION
July 30, 2015 9:14 am

It is important to visit children to see how they are doing. aspecially with younger ones.
What’s if someone or something is bothering them they won’t nesaseraly tell you over the phone .
Also you get to see things for your self and sspeak to the counslers.
If you can’t make it so don’t go but those that can should
NO ONE IS MAKING YOU DO ANYTHING YOU ARE AN ADULT AND IF YOU FEEL VISITING DAY IS TOO MUCH SO DON’T GO.

From a bubby
July 30, 2015 9:13 am

FINALLY FINALLY everyone is coming to the same conclusion I arrived at over twenty years ago I’ll never forget the sounds of my little ones crying as I left. I’ll never forget the anxious faces of the kids waiting by the road in emunah for their late parents. And those that never arrived?? How sad Perhaps for two months it MIGHT be a good idea. But after two weeks??? We are not even missed properly yet and will cause major trauma when we leave as the counselor so aptly wrote please camp directors. Read these comments then act accordingly Ps… Read more »

Some parents don't care about their kids
July 30, 2015 9:10 am

To the author of this article; Some parents all year have nothing to do with your children, u most likely make it sound that u do, and u most likely get the finest tutors, music lessons, art lessons, gymnastics etc. U would rather send ur kids to the pizze shop daily, over making them a healthy and filling supper daily, u would rather sit in ur room and read books, browse the Internet, watch movies and read the new York times, over spending proper quality time with ur children!! As nixon said “ask not what ur country can do for… Read more »

To #64
July 30, 2015 9:10 am

Check #54 or take a plane, or drive earlier

People don't need to travel long distance
July 30, 2015 9:03 am

When I was a child in camp only parents who were local came on visiting day. Why do people feel they need to drive 12+ hours. When my kids were in cgi Montreal we would go for Shabbos to relatives, and on the way back stop somewhere along the route in lake george etc and make it a family vacation. The only objection I have to visiting day is when no activities are planned. Once you’ve seen the bunk and met the counselors there’s nothing left to do if you don’t want to take your child off grounds. How about… Read more »

#14 reply to #72 from
July 30, 2015 8:53 am

1) I APOLOGIZ for not proofreading title is VISITING ZEIDI 2) Fully agree that staff deserve and should be tipped. I said money saved can be used for bigger tips. 3) Counselor nosh comment was just a joke.

To #54
July 30, 2015 8:52 am

Just letting you know that that drives the staff crazy.

To #55
July 30, 2015 8:50 am

He was being sarcastic! Ever heard of making fun of someone using sarcasm?

To #26
July 30, 2015 8:47 am

Enjoying one’s self I hope is still in style.. Fact is, kids like sweet things. If you want to be Michelle Obama and start caring for everybody’s health that’s fine but I hope you don’t succeed.
I understand that it ruins the way you are trying to raise your kids but you can’t deprive all the other kids of their desires because a small percentage are being brought up on a healthy diet. I don’t know what the solution for your kids is but it would be selfish to change the whole canteen to suit a few parents’ wishes.

Camp
July 30, 2015 8:44 am

I don’t go for visiting i let my kids know in advance that we will not be coming…my deal with my kids is we send a package and money and they love that win win…we also send tips via mail for counselor and waiters…the shlep we been doing for years was crazy….i do agree camp has to do skype once a week…they should have a computer room for skype..

visiting day dilemma
July 30, 2015 8:40 am

We live far away from camp. Often visiting day is during the 9 days. We would have to spend Shabbos away too in order to arrive at the camp by Sunday. Not a simple thing. Nor did we have relatives each year who could go instead. Did my kids suffer? Not sure. Did they understand? Not sure. So for us eliminating visiting day would put my kids on the same level as all the new Yorkers or Canadians. I did in the older days write letters almost every single day and now email many times each week. Just to show… Read more »

Go #71!
July 30, 2015 8:33 am

I agree with you 100! And you said it in such a nice smart way.

To #14
July 30, 2015 8:28 am

“Money saved for tips. Its a hoax to get the kids nosh so the counselors can get some.” First of all, write more clearly. Second of all, if I did understand those 2 sentences I think you are implying that without visiting day you would save money by not having to tip the counselors, waiters and learning teachers . Now, I have a big problem with that. I myself have not had any of those jobs but I heard from many friends that have that it is not all about the money, obviously the bigger the tip the happier they… Read more »

No reason for personal attacks
July 30, 2015 7:26 am

Wow, some of these comments have me shaking my head. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with the author’s point of view and explaining why, but the shaming is absolutely uncalled for. You have no idea who this person is, yet you feel free to speculate about how spoiled they are, how much money they do or don’t have and how much they love their child. Also, telling them they should be happy they have a child and are not visiting a hospital or a grave is out of line. I think it goes without saying that most people are… Read more »

Parents who were campers
July 30, 2015 6:11 am

I venture to bet that those in favor of visiting day we’re once campers themselves. Those against have never experienced it. I’m a former camper who wishes my parents traveled cross country (although not expected). But I see the logic of no visiting day.

agree & disagree
July 30, 2015 4:37 am

agree it was heart wrenching for me when all the parents grandparents etc. visited the kids my parents lived across country. My only consolation I could call home pay phone wasn’t locked.
Disagree that you should do with out visiting day. You know what would end up happening every day would be visiting day. Staff and campers would go bananas.

to no.61
July 30, 2015 4:06 am

What u write is scary but after reading all the comments for and against, it must be therapeutic for you to see that your parents meant well and didn’t love you any less than those who visited their kids, they just didn’t understand the importance of it. All parents make mistakes. On my mothers deathbed she apologized for all the mistakes she made. I answered that if I wasn’t a parent myself I might have seen room for forgiving but having now myself to make crucial difficult risky life changing decisions on a regular basis, and maybe a different one… Read more »

Cut the hassle
July 30, 2015 3:51 am

What we did every yr was leave CH at 6 am to get to parksville after breakfast / davening, take our kids out for brunch and leave by 2 pm thus cutting out all traffic,avoided seeing our sons councillors so no tips ( we paid a fortune in fees- let the camps pay the councillors decently ) lines in restaurants , We missed all the other parents so it was a family only day, and cut our traveling time in half, back home for 6 pm!

Great idea!!!!
July 30, 2015 3:51 am

I totally agree with the writer. When I went to camp we were not even allowed to make phone calls because after speaking to mummy the tears would start rolling. Every rest hour we would have to write a letter home. Believe me it was a healthy way of doing things. No need for guilt and if there was a serious problem, naturally the parents would be notified.
Moshiach NOW!!!

To #37 - you made me cry
July 30, 2015 2:26 am

I am crying. We sometimes forget the reality of others.

Sakana Mamish
July 30, 2015 1:36 am

Driving through the night to Canada is dangerous, driving back from Canada on no sleep is dangerous. What will it take to stop camps from putting parents in danger by having visiting day on a Sunday when most families can’t leave home until after Shabbos. If your camp is in Canada and most of the kids are not from Canada, cancel visiting day.

All growed up
July 30, 2015 1:27 am

My kids are all married & I still shudder remembering Visiting Day. The traffic – often we were stuck for hours. The stress – we HAD to be home at a decent hour because we had to work the next day. The expense – we had sent them off with enough junk to feed the entire camp – so WHY did we have to raid Shoprite after 2 weeks?? The writer writes right! I am so relieved those days are over – I went to visit my grandson once or twice & the memories…. much as I was thrilled to… Read more »

So True!
July 30, 2015 1:25 am

Lets Not Stop Till Something Happens!

IT HAPPENED TO ME!
July 30, 2015 1:20 am

My parents didn’t make visiting day but sent some nosh with a nearby relative who did. So Popcorn became my Dad and laughy-taffy was my Mom. They thought they were doing me favors but the money they saved I am now spending on therapy all these years later,

cant agree more
July 30, 2015 1:03 am

100%on target

Bingo #54
July 30, 2015 12:20 am

…but don’t let the secret out!!!! CGI Parksville is the best! The rule about not sending food is awesome!!! My son loves that camp, talks about it all year! Visiting day is actually fun. If I can’t make it I arrange for a relative to take him to their colony or stay at camp it’s only six hours they always have activities to do they can call home , it’s perfectly fine!

Chinuch
July 30, 2015 12:08 am

Part of the wonderful camp experience is the also the memory of visitng day. For a parent or relative to visit means so much to the child. They wait eagerly to show off how neat their bunk is for the day, who their friends are, where they sit for learning class and of course their way around canteen. Do Not Hesitate! They need to know that their lives and experiences are important enough to you that you have made the effort to travel. IF it is truly impossible, send someone on your behalf. This is not to be compared with… Read more »

It's completely true!
July 29, 2015 11:57 pm

I agree – thanks for speaking up!

Back in the day...
July 29, 2015 11:47 pm

I went to camp, verrry far out of town, a looong time ago. I had the time of my life, grew tremendously in many ways including in Yiddishkeit, had a counselor that changed my life, made lasting friends — all the good stuff. The camp had two unusual rules: 1) Absolutely no visits from parents or relatives, which meant no visiting day, and 2) No Color War. Let’s just focus on visiting day: everybody survived and thrived without it. If a kid was too homesick to be in camp, he/she went home within the first day or two of camp.… Read more »

#13
July 29, 2015 11:46 pm

????Don’t kids need some fun??? Stay home & what, May I ask???????????wouldn’t be better that Pearants should lay thousands of $ so that “THIER” kids will have fun of a life time????Wake up!!!!!!

Cgi Parksville
July 29, 2015 11:44 pm

That’s why you should be sending your children to Cgi Parksville because it’s close to crown heights and you can go up whenever you would like and for those that don’t live in NY or surrounding area at some point throughout the summer make it a point to be in NY for something and go to camp for a bit. But the main point is that Cgi Parksville is the way to go.

Nonsense
July 29, 2015 11:42 pm

There is no excuse not to visit your child on visiting day trust me you aren’t doing them any favors

Enjoy your kids more when they are young - they will pay you back
July 29, 2015 11:36 pm

Imagine yourself old staying overnight in the nursary home /elderly home for a month , a year …… You have everything you need and even know how to skype your relatives ….. Did you ever see the eyes of your bubby /zeidy when you came to see them for 30 minutes …. Do you know that they are feeling after you left and how others are jealous that no one came to visit them ….. Think about it , how it’s important to your kid to be visited by you , to share some moments of happiness and sadness with… Read more »

dov
July 29, 2015 11:33 pm

Visitors day is a time that shows your children you care. And the effort is well worth it

to #3
July 29, 2015 11:32 pm

Hm…I wonder what your kids would say if you said: sweetheart, it cost me $50 in expenses, and about $100 in time I could be working….should I come visit you or would you rather have $75 in cash?
Try it.

To no. 3
July 29, 2015 11:25 pm

Maybe it’s the yetzer hora who wants you to go and make the trip?! Perhaps, u’re natural instincts are in fact the yetzer. This mother correctly doesn’t rely on instinct, and instead ponders the merits, versus the downside of making the trip and tried to come to a logical conclusion. If indeed there is “Nothing like visiting your children” even after being put into this context, please explain why so we can all share in your conviction!

To number 3
July 29, 2015 11:22 pm

This article happens to make a lot of sense! The way to show love to your kids is not by visiting them on visiting day. It is, as this parent writes , a nice thing to get to see your child but is it so completely necessary?

visiting
July 29, 2015 11:21 pm

i totally agree

I disagree
July 29, 2015 11:14 pm

How can you say such a thing for most kids they are so excited to see their parents I’m sorry to say you don’t realize how much of an affect you have on your children if you writing this article the smallest thing you do for you child makes him feel loved and makes him grow and for sure visiting him Especially if it’s his first year in camp not because he is homesick but because he or she wants to show his parents how well he is doing, introducing his friends showing them around camp etc I hope after… Read more »

to #3
July 29, 2015 11:12 pm

If you really need to find away to show your kids how much you love them, why don’t you keep them home with you for 2 months.

To #3
July 29, 2015 11:11 pm

Stop Hacking A’chanik.

Seriously, are you telling parents that THIS is their “chance to physically show ur kid/s how much you love them”?

The parents that brought this child in to this world. The parents that dress, feed and educate etc…The parents that sent the child to camp in the first place?

Your comment makes me sad.

Ridiculous!!
July 29, 2015 11:10 pm

there r so many ways we show our kids how much we love them, what makes u think they will think we love them any less if they do away with visiting day?!?! In fact I think the whole visiting day buissines is more for the parents who r looking for a day of entertainment!! As a camper, I was fine after visiting day but did cry myself 2 sleep (and was in good company). As a counselor I had 2 console my tearful campers. So u say, take the chance to show ur kids u love them?! Then get… Read more »

parent
July 29, 2015 11:07 pm

u just don’t wanna c your kid!!

Which camp will be brave?
July 29, 2015 11:06 pm

Waiting for the nachshon to stop visiting day and save us all

I second this article
July 29, 2015 11:04 pm

As a mother of kids that were happy in camp UNTIL we showed up, I could not agree more. Once they see us, they get homesick. Some years it’s been a problem. It certainly was an issue for me when I went to camp 45 years ago too!

Was planning to write the same thing...
July 29, 2015 11:03 pm

Eceryone looses from visitong day. The kids whi have visitors are homesick when they leave, the parents who go are exhausted and spend even more money the the alteady huge expense if camp amd barely see there child, the parents who dont go feel guilty (many cant because they are not on driving distance and still feel miserable) and the kids who dont get visitors….this is only done un the charedi camps, why??

A mother
July 29, 2015 10:55 pm

I’m counting the days to visit my daughter. Really….this is a new low.

Another visiting day
July 29, 2015 10:55 pm

They make the trip each summer. It is a very long drive. It costs time and money, but they do it each year. They wouldn’t miss this visiting day. You see, in mid-summer, it is their child’s yohrtzeit and each summer they visit his grave. Oh, I am sorry to mention this kind of visiting day. After all, you are complaining about camp’s visiting day. But maybe it is a good idea to mention and remind you to be grateful and treasure that you can spend another visiting day with your child at camp. When you visit, look at your… Read more »

Yes!!!
July 29, 2015 10:52 pm

My thoughts exactly!!! Dreading visiting day and the additional $500 it’s adding to our already exorbitant summer expenses. I love my kids, but a phone call would be fine!

to #3
July 29, 2015 10:45 pm

What camp do you work for?

Skype and Facetime
July 29, 2015 10:43 pm

I tried giving my son a hug on Skype but it didn’t work. Neither dis Facetime work when I tried to kiss my daughter. Maybe one day we will be able to, but not this summer.

my feelings exactly
July 29, 2015 10:40 pm

I tell my kids, if they want to see me for visiting day they could just stay home for the summer.

A Parent
July 29, 2015 10:38 pm

Our son was never miserable in camp, except ….. at the end of visiting day. (But if we didn’t come he would probably also be miserable ’cause “everybody else came”…)

Yes
July 29, 2015 10:34 pm

I think we should be aloud to skip or facetime our kids we were blessed with technology for a reason and I think the camps should really consider it

Aaron
July 29, 2015 10:28 pm

BS”D You want to know who really dreads visiting day., I will tell you-the couples who have gone 10 years and still no children or the families that cannot afford sleep away camp and have to send their children to day camp, what a spoiled brat the writer is, you ought to count your Blessings instead of wining about tolls and gas,(but camp tuition, cloths etc you can manage) how about the parents who visit their children on a daily basis in the hospital,maybe your would like to exchange with them, chas v sholem.Most parents treasure the opportunity, I used… Read more »

High cost
July 29, 2015 10:24 pm

I agree that visiting day cost a fortune, tips anywhere between $100-$150 a kid per month.
For people not in the mountains, need to travel.
Gas and tolls about $100 if in CH going to Catskills or Poconos.
Food for day, higher than usual as we’re on the road all day. With 2 kids in Camp, it cost $400-$500 for a single day!
I love my kids and miss them immensely, but an extra $1000 after spending about $4000 each on camp already, it’s way too much.

unbelievable
July 29, 2015 10:22 pm

so we need visiting day to show our kids we love them?!? I agree if we really loved them we would vote for abolishing visiting day. Loving our children is making sure they get what they need and not what they want.

What ever floats your boat
July 29, 2015 10:14 pm

Pointless article many ppl send tips with freinds/kids if you dont want the hassle dont go there is no plot here to get you! lol!

while we are on this topic...
July 29, 2015 10:14 pm

..when will the camps realize that junk food, soda and candy is not very “In style” anymore. We work hard to give our kids healthy food and its down the drain at the canteen in camp. No reason to be selling laffy taffys,jaw breakers etc… Not necessary

Visiting Day
July 29, 2015 10:14 pm

I understand where you are coming from but visiting day is not only about tips and canteen money. Part of allowing your child to grow is enabling them to show you the place they have made their home for the summer, visiting them on their own “turf” where they make their own bed and eat their meals and learn and play together with their friends . My son waits cries his first couple days of camp and when we left him on visiting day but the few precious hours we had and the smile when we arrived the pride he… Read more »

tips
July 29, 2015 10:13 pm

the fact is that staff in a camp with more parents visiting get more tips

been saying this for years
July 29, 2015 10:12 pm

and just in case our kids are loving camp they become terribly homesick by the time visiting day is over!

btw....
July 29, 2015 10:11 pm

staff in camp gan yisroel parksville ny get only $250 for two months of 15+ hours of work…. minimum wage….

To #3
July 29, 2015 10:10 pm

You can “physically” show your kids their love with a package, a letter, a phone call. Most of all, they are “physically” experiencing an amazing summer for which you are dishing out thousands of dollars that you earned through your “physical” sweat and toil. And when they get home after a month you will give them a good, long hug and a big smile, with a cup of milk and a plate of cookies on the side.

E you n me
July 29, 2015 10:09 pm

#3 needs a hug and some professional help.

This post is right on target. ..totally agreed.

100% agree
July 29, 2015 10:02 pm

A day of bonding with your child and rest of family is not best for on visiting day. Choose another day and spend the entire day with your child instead of half the day driving and five hours with them. Only kids that can Hansel a month away should go to camp

Agree
July 29, 2015 10:00 pm

I think it’s time to put an end to visiting day. It will better for the kids and parents. The problem is that you feel bad for our children not to feel the odd one out Without any visitors.
No visiting day will remove the stress from the parents and children. And perhaps maybe even from The camp. Tips will go either way.

Agree!!!
July 29, 2015 9:52 pm

You took the words out of my mouth. Also, kids that dont have visitors, get depressed.

agreed!!
July 29, 2015 9:46 pm

Honestly, after working in an overnight camp, visiting day is destructive for everyone. The campers who get visitors wait all day for them to come, and then when they leave, they cry. The campers who don’t receive visitors cry and are upset because they don’t have visitors and there aren’t a whole lot of activities planned for the day. by the end of the day, everyone is exhausted, and you need to cheer up the campers because it was an upsetting day. I also worked in an overnight camp with no visiting day, and it was awesome! there was no… Read more »

Very true
July 29, 2015 9:45 pm

totally agree. And I always feel so bad for those bunkmates that aren’t getting any visitors.

zeimust also to visit?
July 29, 2015 9:44 pm

I fully agree. Money saved for tips. Its a hoax to get the kids nosh so the counselors can get some.
for some familys it is the grand summer outing but for must its a drag and wwould be nice if camps offer special activities etc. so all are happy.
MATURE KIDS DO NOT NEED VISITING DAY

to #3
July 29, 2015 9:43 pm

so why send them away? just keep them home

Lol #3
July 29, 2015 9:42 pm

Parents have a chance every day to show their kids they love them. Visiting day has nothing to do with love. I love the way its decided that if you visit ur kids u love them but if u don’t u dont. It’s the most rediculous thing.
While we’re having this discussion about visiting day… I think we should do away with camps and summer vacation too.

Hmmm
July 29, 2015 9:40 pm

I personally miss my kids after not seeing them for two weeks.
I want to see them.
Even though the 12 hour drive each way is a nightmare…

I couldn't agree more!
July 29, 2015 9:36 pm

I think it’s better for the child to not see their parents because for some kids that’s what will make them homesick. As far as tips, my child is in Toronto and I paid mine online like I did for everything else.

yes agree
July 29, 2015 9:35 pm

if u send a few favorite nash and a note then probably u can get away with it……I always found it sooo draining by the time I came home…

I do agree with your points
July 29, 2015 9:33 pm

however, I remember visiting my son in an overnight camp where he had no pillow and had a terrible ear ache (and had a hard time hearing me). If I wasn’t there to check up on him, I’m afraid to think of the effects.

What does it have anything to do with love?
July 29, 2015 9:33 pm

I totally agree. I go because it’s accepted. But I think once between sessions is a great idea.

I think you got it all wrong
July 29, 2015 9:26 pm

No one is forcing you to go and make the far trip to see your children but the kids are so happy to be able to show their parents how happy they are at camp and how well they’re doing where they sleep, play, eat, and learn, something which cannot be done over Skype. Most parents want to speak with the counselors and hear mouth to hear from them that your child is having A blast. And the joy the staff get from receiving the tip money from the parent is not the same then PayPal. It looks to me… Read more »

Yes!
July 29, 2015 9:19 pm

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

I'm all for it
July 29, 2015 9:18 pm

i agree with u 100% although this year i was actually quite happy that i shlepped out for visiting day. In my sons bunkhouse someone graffitied some ugly, nasty, not tzniusdik words on the walls. I told the HC about it and asked him to get someone to paint over it, which he did. If i wud not have bben there, the boys would have seen that daily. You never know what negative impact it can have on a child.

unbelievable!!!
July 29, 2015 9:13 pm

Unbelievable here u have a chance to physically show ur kid/s how much you love them and yes the yetzer hara will give you sooo many reasons not to however in this day and age and even with ALL possible technology there is NOTHING like physically visiting your child/ern on visiting day!!!

Couldn't agree more...
July 29, 2015 9:13 pm

And if I didn’t have all the related travel expenses I could afford to tip more….

agree
July 29, 2015 9:11 pm

finally someone speaking up! fully agree with you!

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