I spent sixteen years of my life convincing my parents and myself that I was not a summer camp person. I hated the thought of being in nature all the time and sharing a living space with so many other girls. Well, I’ve spent the past two summers at camp and I’ve loved every minute of it. Summer camp is never going to be exactly what you expect, and I think that's part of the beauty of it. Camp is this magical place; you can only fully understand the magic while you are there. But camp isn’t just a fun summer. It also teaches you to be responsible and independent. You can be yourself the whole time you are at camp, without any fear of judgment.

Most people start going to summer camp at a young age and continue through the camp’s whole program, but this was not me. I would not attend camp for many years as a child. I finally decided to try out summer camp going into junior year because I’d heard so much about it and I wanted a really memorable summer. I wanted to experience all the amazing things I’d heard about camp.

I didn’t attend the typical summer camp, though. I went to a Jewish leadership based teen camp in New York that was only for people entering 10 - 12^th grade. It was an opportunity for me to learn leadership skills and form amazing friendships. I met people from all across the country. Camp gave me some of my best friends in the world and helped me form special long distance friendships. I talk to some of my camp friends daily and I tell them everything. I count down the days until I am reunited with my summer family, and nothing makes me happier than spending hours updating my friends on my life.

My camp experience also gave me opportunities to lead programs for the 200 participants. I went out of my comfort zone so many times and became a stronger person. The program I was involved in allowed me to focus on personal growth, something I had never really thought twice about. I felt myself standing taller and voicing my opinion more. Camp educated me on pressing issues such as racial injustice and gun violence prevention and allowed me to take a stand on them. This past two summer, I have found my passions and learned how to act on those passions.

My camp wasn't exactly like every other summer camp, but I don't really think any two camps are the same. I found my camp, the place where I fit and the community that I belonged in. I truly believe that there is a summer camp out there for everyone, and once you find the place, you will create the best memories of your life.