<p>So today, my D and I went to a college fair…and I got to dreaming</p>
<p>You know how they have Fantasy Baseball Camps, lets have one for Empty Nesters for College!! All the fun of college, but no real homework</p>
<p>We don’t have to cook, we get to sit in on interesting lectures (see its a fantasy camp, so we get to pick and if its boring, move on), or do science experiments, listen to guess lecturors…</p>
<p>THere would be great parties (costume), concerts, protests, hanging out, no responsbilities, fun conversations, new clothes, co-ed dorms (no hanky panky, of course)</p>
<p>And they would all be in great locations- New Zealand, Italy, NYC, or a relaxing place in New Hampshire, or say Harvard or the like</p>
<p>I’m in. Where do we sign up?
Do you recall the Mom’s Camp that someone started a while back in California? I never had a chance to go, but I recall that the rules included: No campers were allowed to do any dishes or chores; Campers could go to craft sessions or do nothing. I don’t remember much else, but it was in the mountains, and sounded very relaxing.</p>
<p>Well, it’s not exactly college, but every July (this will be our 15th year) we go to family camp for 1 week on an island in Lake Winnipesaukee in NH. When we first went, D & S were little, so there was still some “work” involved. As they got older, they went into the kids’ programs for the morning; older still and we only saw them at meals. We go the same week every summer, so we’re with the same “best friends” – who we usually only see this one week. All the kids have grown up together, and many do whatever it takes to come for at least part of the week even after they’re in college & beyond. It’s not the lap of luxury, but it’s very comfortable, and, of special interest to the family meal preparers here on CC, you show up in the dining hall 3X/day, they feed you, and you leave!!! They’re got the carfts, dances, happy hours, all water sports/activities, tennis, etc, etc. You can do as much or as little as you want. There are always interesting conversations going on. Can’t begin to tell you how many other activities we’ve all nixed because it would conflict with our week. Some people/families have been going for 40+ years!</p>
<p>I’d like to do the May term abroads like they have at my son’s college. You study something intensely for a week or two and then go abroad and see it in person! Or my daughters study abroad where they had home stays and hiking and a stay in a hostel in a city. I like the combination of studying and touring.</p>
<p>Hey everyone! I was accepted to semester at sea, and was placed in their honors program which grants me FULL tuition, room & board, AND SPENDING MONEY for a WHOLE YEAR!!! (we’re fantasizing, right?)</p>
<p>Before my mother’s health started to fail, she attended several of these and enjoyed them tremendously. Met lots of interesting people, and was able to travel to new areas of the country and world with a “plan” in mind. As she was widowed at this time, it was a way for her to travel, learn and be with like minded people in a group. Thoroughly enjoyed them.
<a href=“http://www.elderhostel.org/[/url]”>http://www.elderhostel.org/</a></p>
<p>of course, NICE NEW DORMS, the suite kind, with someone cleaning the bathrooms, new jammies, and oh yeah, the best part, we all get makeovers before we go!!!</p>