It’s not every day a child gets to have an eye-opening experience like camp. For the past 11 years, I have been attending camp, and I show no signs of stopping. Camp is an incredibly rewarding experience that is actually proven to help you in the future. I can truly say that, without camp, I would not be the person I am today. This article is just a list of things I have learned along the way and how to changed my life extremely.
1. How to be independent
Going to a sleepaway camp and being alone isn't easy at first. You don't have you parents. You're meeting new people, and you're basically by yourself for the first time. But as years go on, you find yourself less in need of your parents, and you become way more comfortable on your own. Another thing is camp is a really good practice run for college. Even though you're not doing your own laundry and feeding yourself, you learn that being alone alone is OK and to be prepared for college and not having a crazy transition.
2. Camp friends will always be there.
You develop and make unforgettable memories and relationships. The friends you make there are your friends for life. The bond between camp friends is unbreakable. Of course you have your home friends and your school friends, but sometimes when you need a break and you feel like no one understands you, camp friends will always be by your side no matter what.
3. You get a sense of responsibility.
Since you're alone most of the time, you learn how to take care of things on your own. You also learn how to clean. If there is something that really stuck with me while going to camp, was to learn how to clean. I have never used a broom so fast in my life before, let alone clean the sinks.
4. How to relax.
Going to a place surrounded by beautiful nature makes you enjoy the little things. Like campfires, camping, bonding with friends and even just the environment itself.
5. You get to grow up and be a kid at the same time.
It doesn't matter if you're a counselor, CIT or a camper, you're always allowed to act silly. That's the best thing about camp. You can be weird and yourself, and nobody would judge you. But when it's time to get down to business, it's no problem with you. Balancing work and fun had never become so easy.
6. How to survive.
Leadership and survival skills are a must at camp. In an emergency, you are going to have know what to do for not just your safety, but for the safety of everyone around you. At camp, you learn different things, like how to give CPR, how to make a fire, how to preserve water and how to make your way around the woods. It also gives you a chance to be a team member and take charge. Especially when Color War comes around. If anyone knows how to run a team, it's Color War captains. Don't mess with us. But really, these skills do help you in the long run.
7. Coming out of my comfort zone.
Everyone has a fear: heights, bugs, stage fright and even the dark. But the beauty of camp is all about trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone and not regretting a single thing. You have people there to help you experience different types of actives. Most of the time, you find that some activities you never imagined doing, are now your favorites.
8. Be yourself.
Camp is a judge-free zone, because everyone is crazy! Everyone just enjoys the feeling of being with people who are exactly like them. The best part about camp is getting to know everyone, sharing interests and developing long lasting relationships. The energy at camp is unreal, and it's possibly the best feeling in this world. And it's all because of everyone.
As you can see, you would be crazy if you didn't let your kids attend summer camp. For some people, like me, it is so weird to imagine my life without camp. Everything would not be the same. I wouldn't have the support I have now, the energy and I wouldn't have another place to call home. To me, going to the mountains is going home.
