Welcome to the Life at 9,318’ blog, where I share reflections on parenting, mountain living, community, and the questions that matter most. Here you’ll find long-form essays, stories from small-town life, and thoughtful insights on family, camp, and growing up in the high country.
Interested in parent resources?
Recent Reflections
How to Talk About Camp Fears — And What Thoughtful Answers Should Sound Like
A parent advocate explains what strong camp responses about safety, homesickness, and value should sound like before you enroll.
When Your Child Leaves Home for Opportunity: The Resilience Parents Build Too
Watching my son ski into a crowd of teammates cheering him on reminded me of something every parent hopes for when a child leaves home: acceptance. A reflection on resilience, parenting, and the complicated beauty of letting our kids grow.
From Conference Ballroom to Campfire: Why We Must Rethink the Story of Summer Camp
Camp professional and parent Anne Izard reflects from the ACA National Conference on why summer camp is essential—and worth it—for today’s kids.
Preparing for Camp: How to Set Your Child Up for Homesickness Success
Preparing for camp doesn’t mean preventing homesickness—it means helping your child feel ready to move through it. A parent-centered guide to emotional preparation, staff support, and building confidence before summer begins.
How to Support Your Child Through Homesickness
A practical, parent-centered guide to supporting a homesick child at camp—without increasing anxiety or undermining independence.
Early Morning Flights
Flying out of Silverton always means an early morning flight. A dark drive, a full moon, old music, and a quiet reflection on home, memory, and growing up.
The Truth About Homesickness at Camp
A calm, experience-based look at homesickness at camp—why it happens, what kids need, and how parents can support growth.
Homesick, Part Two: When It’s Your Child, Not You
A personal reflection on homesickness at camp—from expert to parent—and what it teaches us about trust, growth, and letting go.
When Winter Doesn’t Show Up
A quiet January in Silverton—no snow, fewer crowds, and a reminder that not every season arrives with spectacle.
Homesick and Happy (A Camp Story)
A personal reflection on homesickness at summer camp- from a former camper, camp director, and parent learning to let go.