I loved so many things about Camp Greystone . . . waking up to reveille every morning, doing the cabin clean, hoping to win the clean cabin award. Having a schedule of activities each day, making cool arts and crafts. Falling asleep to taps at night, and wearing all white on Sundays.

I should totally do this at home.

I mean, if I enjoyed it so much, why not create that same atmosphere for my boys this summer? Bring summer camp right to them, you know?

Reveille in the morning might take some getting used to. But what a way to wake up – with a spirited, motivational bugle call, just driving you to get up and start the day! And doing it every morning at 7 a.m. creates structure and discipline. No sleeping past breakfast, only to throw off the rest of the day. Up and at ’em!

They may not be as excited about the clean cabin award as I was, but it really is an honor, and I think if there is a blue ribbon to be had, or some sort of medal, they might get on board with it. Maybe throw in a free candy bar at the snack shack.

A schedule of activities each day makes perfect sense. Land sports in the morning and water sports in the afternoon. I’m not really set up for archery or kayaking. But we could do badminton and kick-the-can before lunch. Then later, hit the pool for swimming and water ballet. I need to remember to take my music. I did the water ballet solo at Greystone – “Evergreen,” by Barbara Streisand. The kids will love it.

And now that I know what I need around here, I can make some requests for arts and crafts. I need a new keychain. Could use some potholders, wooden picture frames, and I love decorative pottery. Some cool woven bracelets would be nice. And anything in a macramé.

Taps at night is awesome, because there is absolutely no talking during, or after, taps. The day is done, which relieves us all of the nightly debate over what time you really should have to go to bed during the summer.

And wearing white on Sunday is like an all day reminder that the week is coming to a close, we did our best and earned our medals. It’s a day of rest and spiritual reflection. And comes to a close with soft singing around a campfire, a few tears of gratitude and a pledge to try even harder tomorrow.

This is going to be great. The kids will love the camp experience. And I don’t even have to pay for it. Now if I can just learn to play the bugle.

tracyobserver@yahoo.com