I am going on my 9th year calling my camp home. It is a place that makes me the happiest, and the absolute best version of myself possible. Not only has it given my countless memories ranging from laughs, tears, triumphs, and new experiences, but most importantly, it has given me friends, friends who have become family.

Working at a camp has been one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. I have worked with kids who have learning disabilities, military children, kids with social anxieties, self-esteem issues, and everything in between. Going through every single week as if it is your first, and having to solve problems that you never knew you'd have to face, and it can be exhausting. It is something virtually impossible to explain to anyone who has not also experienced what it is like to work at a camp.

But, you are placed into an environment, surrounded by staff who all are going through the same exact things. You know you can always count on those people for words of encouragement, or even just a hug to let you know, "hey, we are all in this together," it is both comforting and reassuring. Having these people who go through such hard weeks and situations all for the the common good that is camp is a pretty magical thing.

It is hard to explain to people who don't get it, it being the power that camp can have, the power of having a place that you can call home, and that can help change your life. and make you a better you. But all of your co-counselors get that, and they understand.

Looking back I always hoped to be a counselor one day. But nine years ago from my first day at camp I could have never dreamed about how amazing the people I would be surrounded by at camp could be. I am not only grateful for all the kids I have been able to work with at camp, the memories I have made, but the people who have made those memories possible. These are people you can cry with, laugh with, be as silly, or serious as you want, and all while you are the best version of yourselves. They are friendships that will last a lifetime, not just three months of the year, people who often know you better than you know you, and people who become your family.