Dear Campers,

As the summer comes to a close I feel as though I can’t let camp end without reminiscing over our time spent together for these past six weeks or so. Our time has been filled with laughs, competition, frustration, a possible time out here and there, and if not yet, tears or at least probable misty eyes on the last day of camp.

On the first day of camp you all arrived as new faces, who had yet to be matched to the names that had been printed on one of the many pieces of papers I was given. I had no idea who you were or what you liked or how we’d get along, heck if you’d even like me. You arrived to a brand new counselor who you were told to listen to who in reality isn’t that much older than you themselves. We were both presented with the ultimate test of making a first impression. I tried to be friendly enough that you’d like me, but still attempt to harbor some sense of authority, not an easy balance. And from that moment on, we began to get to know each other.

I began to see who were the quiet ones, the energetic, the troublemakers, and so on and so forth. I began to see who the competitors were during a soccer game, and who paid extra special attention to every detail on their art project. I began to watch your bonds with each other grow, but I also watched as our bond grew. I began to hear about your family, your best friends, school, what you liked and what you hated, and so much more. I got to know you for more than just that name on the paper.

Now no, I can’t say camp has been filled with just becoming buddy, buddy with you, there has been a few moments of discipline and frustration. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t raise my voice or you didn’t get on my nerves a time or two, but it all happened because I cared. I wanted to make sure you weren’t going to hurt yourself, or someone else for that matter, or I knew you were more mature than you had been acting.

But overall, I have to say one of the best parts of camp for me was getting to know you as a person, not just ‘my camper’. Sitting and talking about what you did over the weekend or seeing how you put every last bit of energy into winning the kickball game were all experiences that taught me more and more about you. So thank you, thanks for letting me get to know you and for getting to know me a little bit better. I’ll miss all your crazy stories and funny jokes and even telling you to stop splashing me in the pool. So thanks again for a great summer filled with memoires I won’t soon forget.

I hope you have a great school year, and I can’t wait to see what next summer has in store for us at camp.

Love, Your Camp Counselor