Camping

I couldn't let the entire month of June slip by without at least a brief update. Abbie has been at her immersive French camp for the past two weeks. Going into it, we knew very little about it. Now, we know a bit more, but I suspect that we will learn a lot more when we pick her up in a couple of days. For the past week, they have been camping in Voyageurs National Park and learning about the old fur trading routes. 

We received two letters from her during the first week, when they were at a slightly more civilized campground. There is no opportunity to send or receive mail during the second week. Turns out that she shares a tent with one girl who was born in Toulouse and another girl who doesn't speak any French! She says that she has been making friends and that the other campers are from all over the country (even one kid from Ethiopia). 

I think the rustic experience has been a big shock to her system, but she says that she is getting used to it. She says that they have been doing lots of canoeing, swimming, French lessons, and learning camping skills. She says that wood chopping is by far her favorite task - go figure. 

The food has been hit or miss, but there is always PB&J to fall back on, so that is good. As for the weather, it has been sort of cold and rainy in the National Park. Some of their usual camping spots have been flooded so they have had to work with park rangers to make alternate arrangements.

In many of the photos, the kids are bundled up in hats. There have been low temperatures in the 40s. Of course, we didn't even think to send her with a hat, so hopefully she is managing to stay warm.

Although Abbie's time is up after only two weeks, many of the kids committed to the 4-week camp and will be traveling into Canadian waters after the (slacker) 2-week students depart. LOL.

I am sure that she will be happy to be home where there is a soft bed and a hot shower. She only has one week back with us, though, before she takes off again for a one week camp at the University of Chicago. At least with that one they will be staying in the dorms!