I know what you're thinking. You can go ahead and say it. I mean, it's not like I haven't heard it a million times before. "How could you spend your whole summer away from home? And NO boys? You can't be serious!"
Well, yes, I'm totally serious.
Every year I've gotten the lecture from my friends that I should "just stay home" because "it's so much fun being home for the summer". And every year, at this annual discussion, I just laugh. I don't try to explain because I understand that from their point of view... it seems crazy. They just don't get it; most people don't. I could not be more thankful that I do.
My summer camp is a place I have been lucky enough to grow up at. From the indescribable sparkle of the lake during golden hour on Friday nights to the unbreakable bonds I've made with girls from all over, it is without a doubt my favorite place on earth. Being given the opportunity to escape is so precious to me. A safe haven from stress, social pressure, society's standards, and, most of the time, sadness (except for when everyone says it's gonna be scones for breakfast and then it ends up being eggs. That kinda sucks... but it's beside the point).
When you're far away from all of the typical hustle and bustle of the world, you really get to know yourself.
That shy girl that you've made yourself out to be at home; she's gone.
That disappointment you've felt all year when you look into the mirror; it's gone.
The confidence camp has given me has allowed me to comfortably tackle the obstacles of being a teenager, and has taught me how to be a leader as I grow up.
Who I am at camp is the best version of myself. She's happy, she's positive, and she just wants everyone else to feel that kind of love. I'm encouraged to wear crocs and big t-shirts, and I can safely say I've never felt more confident then I do in this summer uniform.
With my camper years behind me, all I can do now is look back and be thankful for all that I've learned. I can look back on the days leading up to camp, where I wouldn't be able to sleep due to the pure excitement over the happiness that was soon to fill my soul.
I can look back at the memories I've made with some of the most incredible people I've ever met, knowing those girls and I will have each other's backs for the rest of our lives.
And I can learn from my experiences; whether it be a time I defused drama between two younger campers or a day where I felt so genuinely happy to be alive and in the present moment; and try to make every day like that day.
Camp, there aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am to have spent 7 summers with you. You shaped who I am today - someone I am proud to be.
