I was around six-years-old when I first went to sleep-away summer camp.
At the time I lived in PA and the camp (through my church) was in Ohio. All school year, I attended Sunday School faithfully partially because regular attendance allowed my family scholarships to help with the cost of Summer Camp. Over the school year, I attended most Sunday's and by the end of the year, my little coupon book was full of stamps - providing me with a scholarship to attend a camp session. I provide this background on how I first got to go to camp, because it is an essential part of explaining what Summer Camp meant (and means) to me.
Going away to Summer Camp gave me a whole new experience of community. The whole process of going to and attending was the first times I experienced, "it takes a village", personally. From the Sunday School Teacher and spouse who drove a sedan full of kids to Ohio, to the counselors who supported new campers, through the first 48 hours of homesickness - to the joy of choosing what I would do during activities, to swimming in an in-ground pool, to evening vespers with songs, campfires and s'mores; I am grateful.
It was at Summer Camp, that I truly learned how to swim.
It was at summer camp that the fires of my creativity were stoked.
It was at summer camp, where I witnessed young-women in leadership roles in all areas of "Camp Life", including spiritual care.
Without Summer Camp, I don't know if I would have stepped into leadership roles. Without Summer Camp, I might not have been so quick to embrace the muse of creative work. Without Summer Camp, I might not know how to make a camp fire. (Safely that is.)
My positive experience at Summer Camp, begs the question,
"Without Summer Camp, would I be the person I am today?"
For me, Summer Camp was a portal into becoming a creative, leader, who is willing to try new things and work with others to solve problems.
Thank to Summer Camp, and the village that made going, possible.
You, and Summer Camp, helped me become me.
