Each community has a unique culture, as does every summer camp. Having the privilege to work with a religious camp, a sleep away camp, and a classic summer day camp, I’ve been exposed to colorful cultures expressing love for summer learning and of course, fun.

As I’ve experienced, counselors have the interesting vantage point of learning about others, and encouraging youth to be who they want to become.

We get to talk one on one, fostering relationships with each camper in a relaxed setting that allows trust to grow like the ivy along the paths. We have the privilege to hear about every scrape and tumble that our campers may experience and treat the tribulation, validating feelings. We often hear words of love, and words of hate out of frustrations; but we respond with patience and kindness regardless, as we care as deep as the lakes beside our cabins.

I’ve learned to lead from within, to be my very best each day. My camp counselor friends and I worked to create a culture that is honest and wholesome. I’ve witnessed growth in the light of empowerment.

As a counselor, I have learned strong leadership in a real-life context~ something you can’t gain from sitting in class all day! I have learned creativity (and how to play croquet wearing a costume), collaboration, and communication. I have had wonderful networking opportunities with staff and camp families alike. I have made lasting friendships and the most cherished memories. I have stories from camp that share my strengths and share my weaknesses.

My passion for camp reaches to the high peaks of the Adirondacks and to the depths of Superior. Through breathing in the fresh air and learning to respect mother Earth, together campers and counselors lift a community to higher standards.

My love for nature and youthful energy collide during the summertime, painting a sunset of possibility. To me, there is no better way to spend a summer than with the camp community.

I’ve given advice to teenagers, after I listened to understand. The bonds formed over a summer are lasting and loving, making the goodbyes mostly bitter, less sweet.

In the future, I aspire to begin my journey in aiding both staff and campers alike to engage fully with their surroundings and to appreciate their community. Throughout my undergraduate years, I’ve learned how communities work, specifically in the youth worlds. My knowledge aides my problem solving and creative approaches to individual conflicts that I’ve put into place throughout my summers at camp.

I feel most full of life when I am surrounded by campers, excitedly chatting, lacing up their shoes for a day of adventure and fun. I feel alive when I am at camp, and I’m grateful to continue to pursue my passion.

This summer I was looking forward to a role as a program coordinator at an overnight camp, but my plans have been foiled in light of all that is going on. I am praying that camp continues this summer elsewhere, so that children and staff alike can come together in a time where community looks a bit different.

Thank you for reading!