First Time at Camp, First Chance to Reconnect

A Unique Opportunity for Family Growth

Sending our 10-year-old twins to sleepaway camp for the first time this month was a big decision. As parents, we knew it would be a significant step for them, but it also opened up a rare opportunity for us. With their summer camp experience, we were able to plan a much-needed getaway that allowed us to reconnect as a couple and focus on ourselves for a few days.

The camp we chose is one I attended during my childhood in the '80s and '90s, so there was a sense of nostalgia involved. It’s a place where magic happens, and I believed it would be an important rite of passage for the kids. There were certainly nerves on both sides — my son worried about making friends, and I worried about them brushing their teeth or wearing enough sunscreen. But ultimately, I knew this would help them build independence and confidence.

As sentimental as I felt about watching them take this leap, I also realized that this moment presented a rare window of opportunity for my husband and me. We had not had a chance to spend quality time together in years. Between school, homework, extracurriculars, and the constant demands of parenting, finding time as a couple has always been a challenge.

So, we decided to take advantage of this break and planned a grown-up trip to Las Vegas. The idea was to reclaim some space for ourselves and rediscover what it feels like to be individuals beyond our roles as parents.

A Luxurious Escape in Las Vegas

We spent two nights in Las Vegas, staying at Crockfords, part of the Resorts World complex. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was elevated and serene, with an artfully designed lobby that set the tone for our stay.

Each night, we dressed up for dinner and enjoyed some of the city's finest culinary experiences. On our first night, we dined at Nobu inside Caesars Palace, and the second night, we had a meal at Stubborn Seed, a Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Jeremy Ford. After dinner, we caught a performance by Nas with the Las Vegas Philharmonic at the Encore Theater, which was both exhilarating and intimate.

Brunch was another highlight. We grabbed a table at Pinky's by Lisa Vanderpump inside the Flamingo, where the over-the-top glamour made for a fun start to the day. I even indulged in an espresso martini before noon. Later, we visited the Go Pool, a dayclub-style adults-only pool area, and settled into a shaded cabana. At one point, the DJ called out all the parents who had left their kids at home, and we exchanged knowing smiles.

Recharging as a Couple

We also took time to relax individually and as a couple. One afternoon, we visited the Awana Spa, where co-ed pools and lounges provided a peaceful backdrop for deep conversations. During our stay, we had a breakthrough about a long-term plan to expand our house — something that could only happen when we had the space to think clearly.

We spent time gambling, eating fabulous meals, and enjoying the kind of unstructured hours that are hard to come by when you're juggling daily responsibilities. All the while, we received photo updates from the camp app, which gave us peace of mind. The kids were smiling, making new friends, and engaging in activities like tie-dyeing, just as I had done as a child. They weren’t just okay — they were thriving.

A New Perspective on Parenting

When we returned, we felt recharged — not just as individuals, but as a couple. That connection was desperately needed, and we knew it. The next day, we picked up the kids from camp and noticed how much they had grown in just five days. They seemed a little taller and a lot more confident.

Our trip to Las Vegas was the best decision we made all summer. Letting our kids have their own adventure gave them a chance to grow, and it gave us permission to do the same.

I’ve come to believe that good parenting isn’t just about pouring everything into your children. It’s also about preserving and nurturing the bond that created your family in the first place. When we take time to recharge, we come back to our kids with more patience, presence, and gratitude. We parent better when we feel like whole people.

For us, that meant two days in Las Vegas — poolside cocktails, roulette tables, and long conversations under neon lights. It might not sound traditional, but it felt exactly like the self-care we needed.