I have attended a camp on top of a Pennsylvania mountain in the middle of nowhere every Summer since 2004—10 years as a camper and three as a counselor. To say that I love camp is an understatement. Camp will always hold a special place in my heart and a place that I will always want to go back to. The excitement of going up the mountain at the beginning of summer is one of the best feelings in the world and one I hope I never forget. Also, if you have attended camp with me, you know there has never been a Summer when I haven't cried uncontrollably while leaving. Camp is a place of growth and adventure. There are so many things I love about camp and learned through attending camp, it was nearly impossible for me to write one short list.
Below is a list of 10 reasons why I love camp.
1. I have met some of my best friends at camp.
A camp bond is one of the most special and tight knit bonds to experience. One day you'll meet a person, then the next you're pooping together in the woods. That is just how camp works, and it is amazing how being with people in those circumstances brings you together. I still communicate on a daily basis to five of my closest camp friends in a group message. 
2. I have learned how to clean and innovate
At my camp there is an award at the end of each session called Cabin Excellence. Cabin Excellence is based on cabin cleanliness as well as sisterhood/brotherhood your cabin has with each other and with the rest of the camp. Cabin cleanliness is the most intense part of Cabin Excellence, each day every cabin is graded on their beds, cubbies, bathroom, floor, sinks and overall appearance of the cabin. Not only did I learn how to properly clean and make beds, but I became an innovator. Having long talks with my cabin mates about how we could better utilize our time and efforts were a daily occurrence. Every decision was thought through, from making sure everyone brushes their hair before showing, to picking out your outfit and cleaning your cubby before bed. For a while as a camper I wouldn't even sleep in my sheets because of wanting to save time in the morning.
NikahuForever
3. I have learned how to be more selfless
During camp I have experienced many times when I needed to put others comfort before mine, especially as a counselor. Sometimes on overnight trips it rains and sleeping bags get wet, and that means giving up yours for a camper. Or sometimes there are 8 brown sugar oatmeals, and 2 plain, and you and your co take one for the team. It is not all rainbows as a counselor, but I am so glad I have learned how to put others before me. I have always looked up to my counselors for their selflessness and am so grateful to give back in the same way to my campers.
Side Note: this picture was taken during a thunderstorm at probably 3am with no blankets and freezing. Luckily all of our campers were asleep soundly. It was a rough night, but the three of us came out stronger in the end.
4. No one cares how you look
No one cares that you wear the same outfit everyday, or that you forget to brush your hair most days. I don't know about other camps, but my camp I have never felt judgment for looking a certain way. The opportunity to be your true self and have people love you for it is what camp is all about.
5. I have met so many friends from all over the world
I know that if I wanted to go to Russia, England, Latvia, Mexico, or practically anywhere in the US, I would have somewhere to stay. I have learned a lot of small phrases in a lot of languages thanks to camp.
6. Camp is a place to be weird with support from everyone
I have never been an environment as open and loving as the camp I have attended. Everyone is encouraging and funny in their own unique way. Through camp, I have learned how embrace my weirdness and truly have fun.
7. No Phones.
Where else in this day and age can you go eight weeks unplugged. As difficult it is at first, being off your phone is an amazing opportunity. So many conversations and funny moments would have never happened had everyone been on their phone.
Picture of Tatianna and me probably saying goodbye to our phones.
8. The Leadership Training program
Leadership Training (LT) is a month long program that entails many different activities. A six day hike, five day canoe trip, overnight alone, a walk through a swamp, and many, many rope courses. My LT Summer is definitely one of the best Summers I have ever had. My LT group became a family, we had our ups and downs, but ultimately we always loved each other. We really got see each other and smell each other at our worst. It was a month of growth and a month I will never forget!
#LT2012.
9. Being a counselor
Although it is not always easy,I love being a counselor. Watching campers grow, come out of their comfort zones, and be inclusive with each other is an awesome thing to be a part of.
10. All of the memories
Camp has given me so many opportunities and memories. I am so grateful I got to spend all of my summers being scrappy with my favorite people. Singing I Don't Want to Miss a Thing to Josh on his birthday will be something I miss this year.
