About six days ago, I came back from summer camp and I just can't get out of that post-camp depression. You know that feeling where you want to go back in time and relive something over and over because it was just THAT awesome? That is EXACTLY how I feel about camp.

I would often catch myself day-dreaming about the beautiful camp sunset and sunrise, water-skiing over the Chain of Lakes's clear, blue water and sleeping under the blanket of beautiful stars at the on the swim docks.

After contemplating my post-camp depression, it occurred to me that summer camp is probably one of the greatest things that could happen to anyone in their entire life. And here's why:

1. You realize that how you look doesn't really matter. At all.

Okay, let's be real, who really showers at summer camp?! We are all too busy swimming or eating or tubing or laughing to really take a good shower. Almost immediately at camp you notice how truly beautiful people are. Not by their looks but by their souls and smiles and the life stories they share around the campfire. The best part? Everyone is in the same no shower zone as you, so there's absolutely nothing to be self conscious about. Everyone is just themselves. Straight up. No make-up, hair-straightener or wedges. Just themselves.

2. You learn that life is too short to not eat another camp grilled cheese or drink another glass of bug juice (aka Kool-Aid).

You learn really fast that their are so many little things in life that we don't appreciate or enjoy because we "don't have time" or it's "too many calories" or "we're too busy". You know what? Just eat the grilled cheese. Drink the bug juice. Enjoy that thing you "don't have time for". It will make your life THAT much more enjoyable. And why not? You only live once.

3. You learn there's never a bad time to sing and dance.

At summer camp (well at least mine), it's not uncommon to look around you and see campers randomly singing and dancing. Most of the time? There's no specific reason why they are doing it either. Just for fun. And that's my favorite part. People, life is EXCITING. Sing when you're happy. Dance when your sad. Sing and dance when you're hungry. It doesn't matter when, JUST DO IT. You wouldn't even believe how much better it can make you feel.

4. You really begin to appreciate the beauty of the world.

At camp I would often catch myself listening to the water hitting the rocks or the wind blowing through the trees. Everywhere you turn there is beauty radiating from nature. Look around and love it.

5. You learn that LOVE IS EVERYWHERE.

No matter whether it's raining or the sun is shining, there is ALWAYS someone at summer camp waiting with a hug for you. There is ALWAYS someone waiting to tell you something they admire about you. There is ALWAYS just SO MUCH LOVE. I found that the people at camp become your second family. Whenever you need some loving, hugs or magic, turn to your camp family because they have your back. My camp family stretches from Denver to Philadelphia to Denmark and I always know that regardless or where I am in the world, there will be one of my camp family members at every single corner of the earth just waiting to hand out some love. Look for love. It is EVERYWHERE.