This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Melissa Fitzgerlad, owner and director of Camp Highlander. I'm a huge believer in the sleepaway camp experience and that sending kids to camp is a gift. AdvertisementMy kids started at Camp Highlander when they were 5 years oldMy kids have spent every summer at Camp Highlander since they were babies, first when my parents owned it and then when we did. While it sounds great that we're at the same camp as our kids, kids get the most out of camp when their parents aren't around. She was excited about going and also about returning to Camp Highlander for the rest of the summer.

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Persons: Melissa Fitzgerlad, They've, didn't, we're Organizations: Service, Navy, CIT Locations: Baton Rouge , Louisiana, North Carolina, Henderson County, Western North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, mealtimes, Alabama