abby's true love

Two year ago Abby fell in love.

Hard.

Head over heals.

With Culver.

Culver, Indiana.

Culver Summer Camp is a Kopp family tradition. Derek's dad, siblings, aunts and uncles have been spending their summers there as campers and staff members for over the past 40 years. Derek went as a camper himself, and then spent the summer before and after his mission working as a camp counselor to 9 year old boys and teaching sailing. They all describe it as the best times of their lives. 

When we took Abby to visit 2 years ago, she was hooked. She couldn't stop talking about how amazing it is. Leaving in a cabin. Riding horses. Playing soccer. Swimming in the lake. Doing arts and crafts. Everything she loved (and more) in one place. 

This week her dream came true when she was accepted as a camper. Derek and her literally tore open the envelope and jumped up and down when they saw she had been accepted. Abby can't quit talking and smiling about it.  We immediately picked her classes and have already mailed in all of her forms. She is crossing her fingers she gets accepted to the Equitation program but is also excited about Indian Dancing, Reptiles and Amphibians and Sailing classes. 

To say she is ECSTATIC would be a huge understatement. I noticed on her calendar today that she has already started counting down the days until camp starts.

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And just so every mother that reads this doesn't think I've totally lost my mind, I need to be honest and admit I'm not completely in love with the idea of sending my little girl clear across the country for 6 weeks by herself. That is a long time and Indiana is a long ways away. But when I see the excitement in her eyes, I know we are making the right decision. Derek and I are already planning our flights so we can go and see her a couple of times. Aunt Mandy and Uncle Greg are going to be on staff this summer and have promised to keep a close eye on her. And Grandma Stout and Grandpa Kopp live super close and can help with anything she needs.

And seriously.....who didn't watch Parent Trap growing up and secretly wish you could go to a summer camp like that? I know I did. 

And now my Abby gets to.

Comments

[Shayna]

Oh my heck! That's kinda crazy but so fun for Abby! Have you told mom and dad, not so sure they will aprove! Ha Ha! Love ya, Shayna

[Dan & Marissa]

YAY!!! Big high fives to Abby for the exciting news! She can definitely count on a visit from us :) Can't wait to see her in uniform! Dan's offered to tell her about Clubfoot, gar fish and all of the other stories that he claims "Derek told him to wreck his first summer."

[krisha]

so much fun! I won't tell Chloe she will be super Jealous...come to think of it I may need some info on this fabulous summer camp for next year!!! And just for the record, I don't think you're crazy! I think it's awsome that she is so excited about it! Our babies are growing up!!

[Melissa]

I WISH! I've been trying to convince Rob to send our kids. Maybe if Abby's still there, we can send Maddie in a few years. SHE WILL HAVE THE TIME OF HER LIFE! (Unless she's anything like Uncle Bob...then there may be a problem!) :)

[mom]

I think the fact that Greg and Mandy will be there for the summer and that David and I will visit, and that Dan and Marissa will visit plus she will know Helen and Ryan...if they go back will make it a great thing for her. My kids LOVED it. Never left their blood. I think Sarah is the only one that didn't end up working there after and that's because she didn't want to work in the kitchen for a year before getting a cabin. If she could have taught art or theater, she'd still be there.