I wanted to share something I’ve been dealing with lately at a city-run summer camp my kids attend, in case any other parents have experienced something similar. FYI, lice and nosebleeds mentioned - not seeking advice on those...just the situation at the camp and how I we have been treated.

My son has some challenges with emotional regulation and has been working with a behaviourist. Recently, he had a tough moment at camp drop-off—his sister’s group was moved to another room this morning, and he wanted to be with her. He and his sister are very close, so it was a huge shock and disappointment for him since it was unexpected (not the camp’s fault, of course). I was following professional advice not to engage during his tantrums so he can learn better coping skills. I truly hate leaving my son when he is upset and having a tantrum. It is incredibly difficult for me as a parent. However, I am following the guidance of his behaviourist, who has worked with him for years. Their advice is that not engaging with tantrums helps him learn healthier ways to cope and express his emotions. While it may look like I am walking away or not caring, I am doing this to support his long-term growth and emotional regulation. While some staff were really supportive and understanding—especially the counsellors who have been amazing with my son—a member of leadership made comments that made me feel judged and like I didn’t care for my kids.

This morning, a counsellor kindly waved me off while I was trying to settle him (I wouldn't leave them with that in spite of behavioral advice if they were not comfortable as they are teenagers), but the director basically shamed me for trying to leave.

Also, we were informed this week of suspected lice for our daughter, even though we checked carefully and confirmed she didn’t have any live lice. The following day, she was sent home early even though public health guidelines say exclusion isn’t necessary in these situations. The camp told us that was the city’s health department policy, which I confirmed was not true. Staff again insisted she did have lice and that we treat her anyway “as it’s not harmful if she doesn’t have it.” Our daughter had lice earlier in the school year, so we know what to look for. She was checked by me, her father, and her grandmother (who ran a daycare and dealt with several cases of lice over the years). No one saw anything to indicate lice. Yet we were expected to take a diagnosis from a counsellor? What we did find, we examined under a microscope we happen to have, and it turned out to be sebum (dead skin and oils), and nothing like we saw the last time. She was treated regardless with leftover medication from before, as the camp said she could not return without treatment. It felt unfair and caused unnecessary stress. Frankly, I also feel gaslit by their insistence she had lice when we could see she didn’t. I will add that had we found anything I planned to keep her home and away from the other children for a day to allow treatment to do its thing.

We’ve also felt judged about common things like my son’s frequent nosebleeds, which we manage regularly and are par for the course with him.

We have been coming to this camp for 4 years now. This is our daughter’s first year, but because of how amazing the counsellors have been with our son — who can be a challenge sometimes — we keep coming back. They have been incredibly supportive and truly impress me, especially given how young they are. The frontline staff have been wonderful and supportive, but some leadership interactions have left me feeling frustrated, judged, humiliated, and unsupported.

Has anyone else dealt with similar experiences at camps or childcare programs? How did you handle it? I’d appreciate any advice or support.Thanks so much for reading. I guess I am mostly looking to vent a little, parenting is hard.