I have been going to camp from the time I was 8 years old until I was a counselor at 18. Growing up as an “Army Brat” I was moving from place to place about every two years or so. Going back to camp each summer was the only constant thing in my life. It’s hard always moving and having to always make new friends, but no matter where I lived I knew that when it was summer time I would be back at camp, a place I loved. Camp is where my 3 best friends and I met. Although we all live around the country we have a bond stronger than some of my friends I live close too. We can go months and months without seeing each other, but when we get back together it is like no time has passed at all.
Having a special place like my camp has contributed to the person I am today. Often times it felt like I was forced to grow up so quickly at home that camp was a place I could let loose and have fun, while still learning independence. Being at camp I never had to worry about being something I wasn’t because it was a place where everyone got along with everyone. It has helped me learn that we were all different and to embrace those differences, because we all have something to contribute to the world.
I feel so lucky to be able to experience something as simple as camp because of all the things that it taught me. At the time I never realized what this place was doing for me but now looking back at all the summers I spent there I see how one experience can change you for a lifetime, this I believe.