By U. Arev Dinkjian
You might notice a few changes in your child’s behavior once s/he is back home. Do not be alarmed. The condition is known as Post-Camp Depression, and it is a perfectly normal reaction to leaving Camp Haiastan. Your camper may have Post-Camp Depression if s/he exhibits the following symptoms:
- Rising unusually early to his/her own voice saying, “Good morning Camp Haiastan. Time to get up and go to the washstands!”
- Cleaning up after his/herself
- Trying new things
- The untimely singing of “Like a Prayer”
- Folding napkins, blankets, towels, etc., into neat triangles or rectangles
- Sharing
- The ability to wash his/herself entirely in only five minutes
- Actual letter-writing
- An excessive amount of tye-dye wearing
- The use of new Armenian terms in everyday conversation
- An incredible yearning to return “home”*
*In this context, “home” does not refer to your house, but rather to Camp Haiastan.
Treatment for this condition requires the following:
- If your camper is not a member of his/her local AYF Chapter, have him/her sign-up immediately
- Do not force him/her to shower or wash their clothes as these processes may cause the removal of the “camp smell”
- Bring your camper back to Camp Haiastan each and every summer to avoid withdrawal symptoms and to ensure his/her greatest health.
When dealing with patients of Post-Camp Depression, always remember: Your camper loves you. S/he just loves Camp Haiastan more.
Guest Contributor
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