A summary of parents’ hopes and fears about summer camp.

We have a word in our house for something that is scary and fun at the same time, things like rollercoasters and Halloween.

That word is thrilling.

Summer camp is thrilling, as much for parents as for kids. You’re sending your little ones away to spend time with counselors and peers you don’t really know (but trust in), doing new activities you hope lead to confidence (and not to bandages or ER visits). Will they be scared? Will they make friends? Will they be alright? The kids are often on their own to navigate any hazards, and that’s OK; that’s kind of the point of camp. It’s good for them. Probably.

Here are some ways summer camp is a thrilling experience for parents, and how our hopes and fears will likely be answered by reality.

Music camp

Hope: That they share the light of music and someday form a pop vocal band called Hug the World.

Fear: That they’ll form a doom metal band called Screams in the Night.

Reality: They learn how to better play and appreciate music that will keep them company throughout all their moods.

Science camp

Hope: That they will begin to be recruited by MIT and NASA before they’ve packed their bags to return home.

Fear: That they’re going to come back seething angry at you.

Reality: They experience immersion in a subject they love with others who also love it (but you find you can no longer help them with their homework).

Horse camp

Hope: That they will learn responsibility, poise and courage.

Fear: That they’ll become snobs who can’t be bothered with human beings who walk around on their own two legs.

Reality: That they’ll be scared and may get hurt, but will want to continue, learning perseverance while respecting the power of horses.

Theater camp

Hope: That they land a leading role and will not let the adulation go their heads.

Fear: That they freeze so badly onstage you have to scoot across aisles of people to carry them off.

Reality: That they’ll get better with each rehearsal and performance… or won’t, and the culminating show will be ridiculously delightful anyway.

Sports camp

Hope: That they’ll become a star player, hoisted up on the shoulders of appreciative teammates.

Fear: That they’re picked last for teams.

Reality: They’ll have a good time while staying fit trying to bend it like Beckham or crossover dribble like Stephen Curry.

Wilderness camp

Hope: That they become self-sufficient outdoor survivalists able to fend for themselves long after the collapse of fossil fuels.

Fear: That they are allergic to everything and frightened by deer.

Reality: They’ll go on hikes (on trails, not bushwhacking), wade in tidepools, camp out, and complain while having a rugged good time.

Art camp

Hope: That they’ll create art that changes lives and sparks bidding wars.

Fear: That they make paintings that disturb you down to your soul.

Reality: They learn how to see the world more deliberately and meaningfully, and maybe become more adept at painting bowls of fruit and people looking introspective.