Help Me Not to Worry, Mama's, Just Sent My Son off to JROTC Camp

JROTC camp is the most fun ever! Drill Sgts and other adults in charge are concerned for the health of the campers; they will have pleanty of access to liquids and other needs as they are needed. Unless he is stubborn and will not advise someone if something is off. Just be happy that he is doing something with his summer that is worth while and will stick with him into adulthood.

I remember how I felt when both my boys headed to real bootcamp.
He will be fine.
He will come back a little more grown up.
He will realize how comfy HOME is.
But hes only going for a week and it isnt going to be THAT hard.
Be proud and pat yourself on the back that you have a son that you can get to do this.
Definitely dont let him know you are worried if you do have contact with him this week.
You'll be fine, you have one week minus a teenager. It's good for both of you to feel this growing pain and the pull of the apron string.
Sounds like you are doing a great job raising him to be a good man.

I can assure you that an ROTC camp is going to be run in a very professional and careful matter. The men and women who are in charge are probably actual military personnel and have done this type of work for years and years!! He is going to work hard, he is going to be tested and stretched to new limits but he is also going to be monitored carefully, and watched by people who know that signs to look for that indicate that someone is being stressed too much.
Don't worry Mama...he is going to come home even more grown up and proud of himself than he is right now!!!

He should be fine. :) I was in JROTC when I was in highschool and our leaders were always very careful and thoughtful about that sort of thing. Are they actually staying on base? We went to Parris Island several times when I was in USMC JROTC and the last thing they would do is let something happen to a cadet due to neglect. I know it is hard, but I wouldn't worry mama. :)

Try not to worry. My husband went to OTC from June-Sept 97 in Montgomery, AL -- record heat. The military has measures in place for high temps and although they are tough on the recruits, they are mindful of their health and safety. The military's #1 asset are the people.

WOW. Riley! If I had a kid going off to JROTC Id want to read your post! It made ME feel better for B.! Thanks... And B.. Just be glad he is off doing this and you dont have to worry about him while you deal with all the other stuff youre going thru. I know when we had the chance to send our daughter to camp it was the best time for us. She had to attend camps for diabetics and believe me, they are not like any other regular kids summer camp. They are all diabetic kids, and staffed by Drs, nurses and adults who have diabetes themselves. Her food was monitored, her water intake was measured, her bathroom trips counted, and blood sugar taken and shots given at teh right times..It was probably the safest place she would ever be and it was the only time we had a break from the daily worry and work of a diabetic kid. It was OUR vacation!! So while he is gone, just let them worry about him and you concentrate on the other kids and whats happening in your life.

My son, joseph, is on the baseball team and I worry. I worry more with football. But they cant let anything happen to these kids. I know Coach Rod takes good care of the kids, so Im sure the ROTC will. They also have a good program. Dont worry I know our school wont let anything happen

B.,

We all worry. The best I can tell you is to remember that "worry" benefits no one. In fact some believe those vibrations can not only hold you back, but your son too. Worry will not help in any way.

I have two sons and we've been in similar situations. I worried, but distraction helps. Get busy with something else and let go of that need to control.

:)

Mama he is growing into a man. It's so hard not to worry, but if it were me I would pray for him every day, and work on his room while he's gone. Otherwise I would *try* to be at peace.

Good luck.

It will be fine...like you said, it's only a week. The nurses there will be close by enough that if anyone needs them, they can get there. They are trained for this. Due to the reassignment, everyone at base will be on higher alert in terms of their responsibilities. They will be fine. Try not to worry, mama.

My husband just finished Army boot camp and said it was like summer camp compared to boot camp 22 years ago (the first time he went) - yes, he's been twice because the first time was Navy and when you switch branches you have to go again....
Anyway, he said it is SO politically correct it has kind of become absurd. Everyone is included and passed (even the young lady who couldn't do one push up). Quite frankly, I now worry about what the US military is comprised of after the stories I have heard from him.
I would imagine that JROTC will be even more careful about how they treat their "recruits" and your son will be safe and probably even enjoy his time there.

He will be fine. You will be amazed at how quickly they can turn him into a young man. Even a week will do a lot for him.

They know what they're doing. Don't worry.

I an the mother of a 24 year old, who sent her son to Naval Sea Cadet Camp many times during his 4.5 years with them. Also, at least in the Navy (where he currently serves) they have "black flag" days at boot camp--if you see a black flag flying from a certain flag pole, that means conditions warrant "restricted" physical activity, you are to drink extra water, and to rest to prevent heat exhaustion. From my experience, the leadership is careful about over-exposure to the sun and intense activities in the heat... now, that doesn't mean that daytime hikes are not replaced by evening hikes, but they do watch and restrict intensive activity during the day has been my experience. J.