Experiencing summer camp is something that everyone should do. Camp is a place for campers and staff members to grow as people and to have fun. It has taught me more about life than how to tie friendship bracelets; I have gained genuine skills and friendships from attending camp every summer.

Summer camp has taught me how to be away from home. Leaving home is an intimidating experience at first. For many, summer camp is the first time they live without their parents. Campers are in a situation where they are responsible for themselves, and that can be scary. Summer camps provide such a great support system for homesick children, and they teach each camper that they can do things on their own.

Camp has taught me that every person is unique, and that is okay. Every summer you are exposed to people that are so much different than yourself. It is easy to forget that we are not all the same; we look different and may have opposing opinions. Camp is a place where all sorts of people come together for a common cause. You learn to accept and even love everyone's differences.

I have learned how to get out of my comfort zone. Summer camp pushes you in many different ways. You are faced with a multitude of new experiences each day. You are encouraged to try each new thing with the support of the campers and the staff around you!

Summer camp is a place where you can be yourself. You are free from the judgment of “the real world" at camp. You are loved and accepted for each of your qualities, and that love is a lot of what makes camp so special.

You make a real impact at summer camp. Both campers and staff members affect each other more than they know. As a staff member, you are an example to campers and you are who they look up to. Campers inspire their staff members, and these impacts can last a lifetime.

The friendships you make at summer camp are friendships that can last a lifetime. There is something about the bond between camp friends that is inexplicable. You get to know one another in such a short period of time, but often it feels like you have known each other forever. I have met many lifelong friends at summer camp. It does not matter how long we go without seeing each other, we are always able to pick up where we left off.

Summer camp is a place full of love and laughter, and is an experience that I hope everyone gets to have. You learn so much and have a lot of fun while doing it!