Retreating with Her- A Mother Daughter Weekend at Camp Rancho Framasa

My girl and I had our first of what I hope is many weekends away together. 
Rock climbing, creek stomping, tree painting, tie-dying, canoeing, singing, good food eating, good friend chatting, new friends, campfire skits, and bunk bed sleeping (or two on a twin mattress, so we're extra close).  
A lot of rain, fear of heights, me realizing I didn't actually know how to canoe after we were already on the lake.
It was full of fun and adventure. 
There is something beautiful about witnessing each others highs and lows away from home and realizing we can't do much more than be witness to them while offering each other encouragement. 
She climbed, I rowed, we played and played- damp, chilled, eventually not aware of either. 
We'll go back next year and hopefully the year after that!
I can't help but wonder what each year we retreat together will bring. I noticed how different the experience looked for mothers with older children. They got to sleep in their own bunk, for instance.
How many years will she want to go with me? How many more years will she push my cheeks together, like she did, and tell me the best part was just being with her mama?
I try to remember, our time together is as good now as it was when she was too little to go on retreat; it's just different. 
I suspect each year will be different too, and it won't matter whether we are snuggled on a twin or I am left way behind on the trail, I know I'll be grateful to be there with her. 
It will be my best part. 
Locals- Camp Rancho Framasa in Brown County has wonderful mother/daughter, father/son, family, and summer camps. As someone who is not a Catholic or Christian, I felt very welcome and at ease there. 

Kelly Sage, Mother Daughter Participant 2016