Camp Coniston is a charming YMCA camp nestled around Lake Coniston in New Hampshire. For four summers in a row, it became my home away from home. Only eight weeks out of my life, yet I feel as if I made hundreds of wonderful memories there. When I talk about Coniston with my college friends, they think I was in some overly-perfect camp straight out of a movie or YA fiction novel—I guess I kind of was. It’s been a few years since I grew too old to be a camper, yet I often think about my time there; it’s a special place that only those who’ve been can truly understand. With that being said, here are some of the things I miss (out of about a billion):

1. The people

The staff is fun and bubbly and has no problem being goofy. In fact, they thrive in crazy outfits and doing hilarious skits for opening/closing campfire. My counselors were welcoming and inclusive; it’s crazy to think that they were around my age and younger when I was a camper. Speaking of which, I love the campers too, they become your second family in merely a few days.

2. Trying new things

Camp’s eclectic mix of activities truly provides campers with the opportunity to do anything they can imagine. I got to channel my inner Katniss for archery (though I shot a tree instead of the targets), freak people out in Drama’s “Park Bench,” make my own candles, and sail (meaning I got to try not to capsize).

3. The food

Middler Pizza, Chipwiches (hallelujah whenever those were doled out to hungry campers!), hash browns, cinnamon rolls at the Chapel brunch, and grilled cheese (with tomato soup and goldfish, of course) among the comfort foods of camp. Plus, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the bug juice (mostly because of the fun name).

4. Receiving mail

There was nothing better than being handed package slips and letters from back home during Cabin Time. I felt like a celebrity receiving fan mail! Also, having to handwrite letters back to people was refreshing; a much-needed respite from texting and tweeting and Facebook messaging.

5. Highs and Lows

Yes, I’ve tried to keep this tradition going with other friends outside of camp, but it’s not the same as it was sitting in a circle in our cabins with our sweet counselors and fellow campers. It was the perfect way to recap our long, fun-filled day.

6. Taps

Taps signaled the end of a busy day well-spent, swimming, crafting, playing sports, and overall, having an absolute ball.

7. Late night chatting

We were pretty young, so staying up late and climbing onto each other’s bunks to chat or play games like “Never Have I Ever” felt mature and "cool."

8. Chapel

All dolled up, we would walk together past the A field and over to a small, outdoor stadium for performances of poetry, music, and more.

9. The Coniston Beat

The dining hall where it all went down

“Who’s got that beat, that Camp Coniston beat? We’ve got that beat, that Camp Coniston beat, it goes…!” And you know the rest. That plus sevens and all of the other catchy beats we did at meals are beats I still do today. I’ve tried teaching my college friends in our dining hall—from camp to college, some things never change.

10. Overnights

This was the part of camp that really felt “campy”; we were out in the woods, cooking on a campfire, doing cabin-bonding activities, and sleeping in sleeping bags under the stars. It was the quintessential camp experience.

11. Gaga

For some reason, my first year of camp, I was utterly obsessed with this game. I played every chance I got, which was usually during both free times of the day.

12. Siesta

Boy, do I wish I had siestas every day of my life! The “quiet time” of camp, in which I’d make friendship bracelets, read, and give my cabin-mates manicures (or more likely, they were giving them to me, since I typically paint half of my finger when I attempt to do it myself).

13. The ice cream social

Dancing and ice cream—name a more iconic duo, I’ll wait. ;) Reaching to the floor then rising up to the ceiling to “Disco Pogo,” dropping the base in “Cinema,” & jamming out to I “Want U Back” are a few of the things I remember the most.

14. Watching the CITs run into the lake

“Eye of the Tiger” was blasting as ecstatic CITs ran through a parted mass of campers/staff and into the lake. It was a triumphant moment for them, and was heartwarming to watch.

15. Silly songs

Nothing beats the “Waterfront Waddle” or the songs sung to wake us up as we waited outside of the dining hall. The one I remember most is that “way up in the sky, the little birds fly, way down in the nest, the little birds rest…” followed by a loud “Wake up girls camp!” I loved it!

16. Collecting triangles

Triangles were never exciting to me until Coniston. They were just boring, pointy shapes that I had to solve problems with in Geometry. Now I am a triangle-fan because they mark the years of being a camper at the best camp on Earth.

17. Perfect Day Pancakes

On the last morning before we all had to say goodbye, Coniston made sure it was a happy affair, celebrating the awesome time had by all. We were given delicious chocolate chip pancakes to feast on, and the cheery song, “Perfect Day,” would be playing through the speakers.

18. Watching the fireworks with The Final Countdown playing

As our time at Coniston dwindled, we would all gather on the hill facing the lake to watch the fireworks after the Candle Light Ceremony. “The Final Countdown” would play as we bid adieu to the highlight of our summer.

19. Opening and Closing Campfire

The skits were incredibly funny. The singing was beautiful. The whole thing was a joy.

20. Dancing in the dining hall

This has to be my all-time favorite camp tradition. I looked forward to this in the same way I look forward to snow days or Christmas—which is saying a lot. Nothing beat hopping up on the stools or benches to belt out “I Want it that Way,” “Love Story,” and more. I was shy, but this broke me out of my shell a little bit. I especially loved the dance moves and joining in the conga line to circle the entirety of the dining hall, getting high-fives along the way. It was akin to a scene from a movie because everyone was so happy and enthusiastic!

That certainly is not all, but to fit everything I miss about Coniston into one article would be impossible, considering I miss everything.

Even though I can’t be a camper again, I’ll cherish the memories forever, so the lyrics we sang each year still hold true: the Coniston sun has set, it’s gone, but not for long, it will return, tomorrow is another Coniston day!