By the way, I did complain to the camp administration and they said that they discourage all of these things, but the parents do not listen and they cannot stop the parents from sending packages and visiting on Fridays if they wish to do so.
Is there something wrong with us? Is it the younger generation that is pushing for more gashmius?
A Frustrated Mother
Dear Frustrated Mother,
Visiting Day can definitely be a challenge, but it can also be a very nice, fun-filled family day. It sounds like there is a lot of pressure to “keep up with the Joneses” in the camp you sent your daughter to. This can be unhealthy on so many levels.
I wonder if your daughter has a friend she can convince to join her in another camp next summer? I would think it would be a much pleasanter experience if your daughter were not feeling this outside pressure to do and have more. It also sounds like you have already made your decision and you just have to have the courage to follow through. As I said, if you can find a friend or relative the same age as your daughter who will join her in another camp, that would be best for her.
In any case, please continue trying to instill in your daughter the values you and your husband feel are important.
Wishing all of our readers a gmar chasima tova.