Beyond “Shipping Kids Off”: The Real Impact of Sleepaway Camp on Boys’ Emotional Growth

EP:178 On this episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I’m bringing you a very special conversation with someone who has become a huge part of my children’s lives: Andy Shlensky, owner and director of North Star Camp for Boys.

If you’ve ever wondered whether sleepaway camp is worth it, worried about homesickness, safety, or the cost, or felt guilty for wanting a break as a parent, this episode is for you. I’m honest about why camp is part of my own respite care as a single mom, and how I moved from fear and a negative camp experience with my son to finding a place that truly feels like home for my boys.

Andy and I dive into:

• Why camp isn’t just “shipping your kids off”, but a powerful space for emotional growth, independence, and resilience
• How North Star builds a culture where kindness, character, and friendship matter more than being “cool”
• The intentional ways they teach boys to identify and express their feelings, from cabin campfires to gratitude “key logs” and mood meters
• What really happens during group dynamics at camp (honeymoon, storming, norming, and performing) and why conflict is actually a healthy, teachable part of relationships
• The reality of camp safety, how camps prepare, and what questions you should be asking as a parent
• Why there truly is a camp for every kid and every budget, and how scholarships and financial aid open doors for more families
  You’ll also hear some personal stories about my boys—how they came home more confident, accountable, and connected, and why my child literally ran off the plane saying, “I want to go for eight weeks!”

If you’re a parent on the fence about sleepaway camp, afraid of letting go, or just curious how to raise more emotionally aware, grounded, and resilient kids, this conversation will give you both reassurance and practical insight.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who’s considering camp or feeling overwhelmed by summer planning.
Make sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review for Thrive Like a Parent—it helps this message reach more families who need it.
And if you want more support in navigating your child’s emotions (and your own), follow me on Instagram @brookeweinst and check out my resources to help you thrive as a parent, not just survive.

 

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