Every year, my teen is away at camp for his birthday. We celebrate early, and I send him gifts he can open with his friends.

• My son has been going to summer camp for years now, and is always away for his birthday. 
• It was hard the first time, but he was ready for this independence. 
• I get to see his birthday celebrations through the camp's app. 

Two years ago, I packed bags and bins full of clothing and toiletries, and my son left for his first summer at sleepaway camp. Three weeks later, he celebrated his 11th birthday with his new camp friends, away from home and without family.