Anybody who knows me closely knows that I love the all-girls summer camp that I attend in Colchester, Vermont. It has been the place that I have been so lucky to call home for the past 7 summers of my life. The memories I have made at Camp Kiniya are among my most cherished, because the experiences and love that I have received there are unparalleled. As June comes closer, I am getting more and more excited to return to the shores of Lake Champlain. I am ready to step into summer number 8 with peak enthusiasm and positivity. I cannot be more excited to embark on every adventure that comes my way. Though I am eternally grateful for all of the memories playing team competition games, singing with my cabins in Wednesday night shows, and kayaking in the lake, I am probably most thankful for something less tangible that camp has given me. Camp was a key part of my growing up, and has definitely developed my confidence and feminist outlook on the world. Going to this all-girls camp and being a leader of 22 girls per summer has contributed to a belief that me or any girl can do anything. Here is how my camp has had a lasting impact on me.
To start, Camp Kiniya was founded in 1919 by Helen Van Buren. A single woman in the early 20th century making her own business venture was a rare thing to come by, because of strict societal norms imposed on women. Even though Helen faced many challenges in acquiring the land and loans because she was a woman, she persisted and established a riding, music, and etiquette camp for girls. I love how even the foundation of this beautiful camp has roots in a determined woman who had big dreams and goals. Her vision to help girls grow into strong, independent, and caring women is still embedded in the values of Kiniya today. I admire her strength despite the many hurdles she had to overcome. Campers at Kiniya are encouraged to approach their goals with a positive outlook and have the belief that they could do anything, just like Helen.
Secondly, going to an all-girls camp has given me so much confidence over the years. Being surrounded by close to 200 girls and women over the summer is an environment that contains so much support and love. It is a place where you can speak up and voice your thoughts and desires and not be judged in any way. In the "real world" it is easy to hold yourself back from being your true self. However, at camp, you are encouraged to be your most crazy and true self. Outrageous outfits that consist of neon colors and tutus, floppy dancing, and silly cheers are commonplace at camp. Also, being encouraged to do something that you have never done before is one of the best things you could do at camp. Whether you succeed or fail, you will be supported 100% of the way.
This past summer I was a leader of girls aged 10-11, and it was incredible to watch them grow before my eyes. Initially, a lot of the newer girls were reluctant to open themselves up to others, which is understandable being in such a new place so far from home. Once the sessions progress, each girl learns new things about herself through her participation of teamwork activities and the building of new friendships. Even when the session is only a week old, it is new campers have already built incredible friendships and support systems. No problem is considered small, and it is so comforting to know that at camp you have dozens of sisters to help you through it. At camp girls learn how to support each other, and how important it is to bring other girls up. I have heard so many "you can do its!" over my seven summers, and each time I hear it it brings me so much joy.
At the end of each session, during vespers (a cabin-time for reflection at the end of the day), each leader leads her campers in an activity called Cup-of-Love. Each girl receives a cup with her name written on it, and then everybody else has to write something that they like about that girl. In the end, each individual has a little note from all of her cabin mates, notes filled with encouragement and compliments. Reading these notes allows every girl feel appreciated and loved, and it really builds up her confidence. It is sometimes hard to find things to love about yourself until you see them written out by others. A small "you're so kind and always know how to put a smile on my face" or "you have a great laugh" can do wonders to girls' self-esteem. After reading these when camp is over, girls are encouraged to take on the rest of the world with strength.
The amount of support I have received at camp definitely contributed to who I am today. I believe girls can to do absolutely anything and no dream is too big. The ample amount of strong and empowering women at camp has contributed to my love for women and my feminist outlook on the world. I am eternally thankful for everything camp has given me, and every girl deserves role models like the ones I have received at camp.
