
Reach for this book when your child is preparing for their first overnight camp or is feeling the push and pull of wanting independence while still craving the safety of home. It is an ideal bridge for the middle-school transition, capturing that specific moment when childhood play meets the budding responsibilities of the teenage years. In this Super Special installment, the beloved members of the Baby-sitters Club head to Camp Mohawk as Counselors-in-Training. While the backdrop is filled with classic summer fun like swimming and hiking, the heart of the story lies in the girls navigating social hierarchies, homesickness, and the evolving nature of their friendships. It is a gentle, supportive read that validates the anxiety of being away from parents for the first time while celebrating the confidence gained through new experiences.
















Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewCharacters deal with homesickness and the stress of trying to live up to expectations.
The book handles typical adolescent insecurities. Stacey’s management of her diabetes is a recurring, realistic subplot, handled with a secular and matter-of-fact approach. Issues of divorce and blended families (Dawn and Mary Anne) are present but backgrounded to the camp adventure.
An 8 to 10-year-old who is nervous about an upcoming sleepaway camp or a summer program. It is perfect for a child who values group loyalty and is starting to look for stories that model how to handle social responsibility.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to discuss the 1980s/90s context of some social norms, though the 2013 edition updates some feel. A parent might notice their child becoming unusually clingy before a trip, or conversely, a child expressing fear that they won't 'fit in' with a new group of peers.
Younger readers (ages 7-8) focus on the 'coolness' of being a CIT and the camp activities. Older readers (11-12) will better resonate with the romantic subplots and the nuanced stresses of leadership.
Unlike many camp books that focus on one protagonist, the multi-perspective format allows readers to see themselves in various personality types, from the shy Mary Anne to the assertive Kristy.
The BSC members take on roles as Counselors-in-Training (CITs) at Camp Mohawk. The narrative rotates through the perspectives of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory, and Jessi. They deal with difficult campers, competitive camp activities, romantic interests, and the internal group dynamics of their friendship circle while living in a rustic environment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.