Rose dithered so much about whether she wanted to go to overnight camp this year that we were waitlisted, and she almost didn't get to go. She had been terribly homesick last year and worried it would happen again this year. Of course she worried; she's Rose. She was homesick the first day or so and then, not. Rose had a fabulous time at camp.

Camp Sealth offers gluten-free food for all their sessions, but for this one the Gluten Intolerance Group comes in and helps run it. Oh my goodness, can I give a shout out for the GIG? Rose could not say enough good things about the swag they gave her (backpack, t-shirt, calendar), the quantity of the food, and the quality. She raved about the blueberry sauce and the gluten free twinkie alternatives. Being gluten-free is not the end of the world, but you do end up going to a lot of birthday parties where everyone else gets the cake with the mermaid and sparkles and you get the cupcake from home. It kind of got flipped at camp. For snack one day, the gluten eaters got trail mix, the g-f kids had cupcakes. Oh, was this fun.

Rose just loved all the activities. She loved the swim checks (Hey Kelsey), painting the counselors, going on an overnight, paddleboarding, learning some sign language, dressing up for Wail Lunch, singing, always singing.

There were no complaints this week about teenagish unenthusiastic group members. She had no major problems with her cabinmates, adored her counselor, was very happy to have her friend Amelia with her, and did I mention she had a blast?

Regular readers know Camp Sealth is where my heart is. I was a camper there 10 years, a counselor three, and I think it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I love the traditions and am so glad I get to share them with my daughter and learn her new songs.