To the place I have spent my summers, the place I have grown up, the place I call home:

As you may remember, 8 years ago, my parents drove me to you so that I could learn some independence, make some new friends, and have some fun. I was quiet, shy, and soft-spoken. That summer you taught me a plethora of new skills. You fostered my love in gymnastics by being the place I was finally able to do a back handspring all by myself. You fostered my love in animals and even gave me a guinea pig to bring back home with me (RIP Nibbles Jr.). Most of all, you fostered my love in you. I can’t say that I had the best summer then, but I can for sure say that I realized I had found a new place to call home; a place with so much growing and adventure ahead of me.

Fast forward six years, you taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. You taught me about responsibility, love for others and most importantly love for myself. As a staff member working on your grounds I learned the invaluable skills of speaking up, speaking out, and having fun. I allowed the shell of shyness that had spent so long protecting me from the judgement of others fall to the floor and shatter. I became loud. I became happy. And dare I say, I may have even have become a role model.

My first year on staff, you blessed me with wonderful campers who I learned so very much from. These girls may have been a little challenging at times, but you gave me the confidence to get through it. My next summer you gave me even more responsibilities and, with those responsibilities, more confidence. You gave me more wonderful children to be responsible for and held me to a higher standard than the previous summer. You gave me immense joy and spirit that I, in turn, shared with my campers and you gave me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of a group of 10 year olds. You gave me the pleasure of helping an incredibly homesick child turn camp into her home away from home.

Of all of the memories that you have given me these past 8 years, it is impossible to pick one that is my favorite. Of course there were some spectacular moments like when I finally learned how to do a back handspring, when all of my bunkmates and I snuck out at 3 a.m. and switched places with a boys bunk, and when you made my dream of being a color war captain come true. There are so many to count it is impossible for me to pick a favorite. If there is one thing that I have gained above all else from you, it is wonderful friendships.

The friendships that you have given me are ones that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Despite the fact that cities, states, and even oceans separate me from the friends that you have given me, there is something reassuring and magical to know that anywhere in the world I may be, there is someone who has my back; someone who I bonded with at the Milford Walmart, or at Joey’s Pizza, or in our bunk 8 years ago. I am never alone.

The knowledge of this is such an incredible gift that you have given me throughout these past years. Through my most difficult and anxious days in high school, the friends that you provided were only a Facetime call away. Through my “did I make the right decision, am I in the right place” early first semester college crises, the friends you provided me with were on speed dial sending support every step of the way.

I want to thank you for all of the memories, friendships and life skills that you have given me these last 8 years. I want to thank you for allowing me to be the absolute best version of myself I could possibly be. I want to thank you for allowing me to have an impact on the lives of my wonderful little campers and allowing them to have such a large impact on me. Most of all, I want to thank you for always being there for me.

Until Next Summer,

A Homesick Counselor.