Over-night camp isn’t for everyone, but the ones who enjoy it definitely know what a special place camp can be. Camp was always my place to go when I felt sad or alone. People there are always welcoming, friendly, and never judgmental towards any problem. Camp is a safe place for anyone who feels they need a place to belong. A place where people can find themselves in new ways. Listed below are a few things that people can find through camp:

1. Independence

While being away from home for two or more weeks at time you learn to take care of yourself differently. Obviously, you have your counselors and every other person there to help you along the way, but you take care of yourself mostly. Being away from home can be totally scary the first time, but you are able to gain a little bit of independence every time you go, especially as you grow older. The older you get the more you learn about yourself and the things you need to live a full and happy life. Camp is an outlet that helps you find those little things in a different way.

2. Life-Long Friendship

Camp is a place where you can find life-long friends. Friendships can be formed through any activity at camp; cabin-bonding, sports activities, swimming. Anywhere and anytime you can make a new best friend. I have friends today that I made my first year of camp when I was ten, and we still keep in touch even though we are all off at college creating new memories. Camp is a place where everyone is friendly, and easy to form a bond with, since everyone there is in the same boat.

3. A Different Appreciation for Home

Being away from home can sure be difficult, especially at a young age, but you learn to appreciate home more when you’re away from it for longer periods of time. You may miss your mom and your dad, even though you usually have a blast. However, that makes your time at home even better. You learn that you aren’t going to always be around your family, and camp helps you appreciate your home and family more, even while you’re younger.

4. A New Respect for Nature

At camp, you have a new-found respect for nature. You’re outside doing activities most of the time, and you learn to love being outside. Yes, most children like being outside, but with new technologies most kids don’t play outside as much. Camp pushes more people to love being outside, since we don't have phones or the internet we have to find something to do there. Whether you’re on the lake or running around playing games, camp is always more fun when you can play outside in nature.

5. Creation of a Home Away From Home

Camp allows itself to become another place where anyone can feel at home. Everyone is always welcoming and excited to meet new people. For me camp has always been my happy place, I always felt like I belonged. No matter who you are, camp can become a place where you fit in, as long as you feel comfortable and put yourself out there. Camp can easily become anyone’s second home.