There is a reason why people who didn’t go to sleep away camp will never understand the experience. Sleep away camp is unlike anything in the real world… in the best way possible. The warmth, tradition and spirit found at camp simply cannot be replicated. Here are 20 things that make camp unique (and the greatest place on earth):
1. The most stressful part of your summer is waiting for the color war scores.
Those five seconds of silence before the winning team is announced are the longest five seconds of your life.
2. Rest hour is a thing.
Where else will there ever be an hour after lunch solely dedicated to taking a nap? Nowhere.
3. Popularity doesn't exist... only friendship bracelets.
And when the bracelet tan line begins to form, you have a constant reminder of how loved you are.
4. You spend two months unplugged.
There is no better feeling than giving up your phone and just living in the moment. After all, it’s really hard to make memories when you’re eyes are stuck on a screen.
5. You never have trouble deciding what to wear.
Camp shirts really are the gift that keeps on giving. Forget waking up an hour early to choose an outfit. Just throw on a camp shirt and you’re good to go.
6. There is no such thing as manners at the dinner table
…unless you consider banging on the table, cheering and playing flip-cup good manners.
7. Your loved ones send you letters and care-packages for no reason.
Receiving a package slip is basically equivalent to winning the lottery in camp terms.
8. There is a time every night dedicated to socializing and eating candy.
What could be better?
9. Being weird is insanely cool.
Dressing up in crazy outfits, singing at the top of your lungs at activities, and acting like a complete child make you the coolest camper out there. The crazier the better.
10. You can wear pajamas to night activity.
There is nothing better than walking around in a t-shirt, sweatpants, fuzzy socks, and uggs after shower time.
11. Chills trains fill empty time.
Spiders crawling up your back, they bite, they bite!
12. Knowing the date/day of the week is completely irrelevant.
Over the summer, camp time is the only time that matters. You are in your own little world and nothing else makes a difference.
13. Disney watches are the trendiest accessories.
If you never wore a kid’s watch, did you even go to camp?
14. You are constantly surrounded by internationals.
Just ask them to say “water bottle” a few times. You’ll be fully entertained for hours.
15. In the morning, you only ever have to remember sunscreen and a water bottle (and a towel if you have swim).
No backpack to slow you down as you get ready to take on the day.
16. You are completely independent.
No parents, no problem. Without adults around to dictate your choices, you get to make every important decision on your own. Meals, outfits, and, most importantly, money-spending all lie in your hands.
17. The worst thing you can do is hide food in the bunk.
And even then, the punishment is trivial if existent at all.
18. You are never alone.
From the second you wake up to the second your head hits the pillow at the end of the day, you are surrounded by your best friends.
19. Every day is an adventure.
There is never a dull moment at camp. From trips to tournaments to time with friends, no two days are ever the same.
20. The people.
Camp friends really are the best friends. Even though you only spend two months of the year with them, you know that they will be by your side forever. They love you at your best and support you at your worst. They make camp the magical experience that it is and no summer would be the same without them.
So hold on to sleep away camp for as long as you can because saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do.
