How Sleep-Away Camp Prepared Me For College
Start writing a post
Student Life

How Sleep-Away Camp Prepared Me For College

Peeing outside is a talent.

48
How Sleep-Away Camp Prepared Me For College
Carly Polay

Sleep away camp might have been the best decision my parents have ever made for me. Leaving your home for the summer and having that sense of "freedom" at such a young age really prepares you for the future. You learn to be independent and make your own choices, all that will help you in college. Shout out to Chipinaw for preparing me for life.

1. Peeing outside

Line for the bathroom too long at that frat party? You've been peeing outside since you were 8 years old. All your college friends who didn't go to camp are amazed at how this is a normal thing for you. Killing the game. Very lady like.

2. Communal bathrooms?

This is a breeze. Sharing a bathroom with way too many people was part of your whole childhood experience. You have no privacy, but this doesn't even phase you anymore. If you were that kid at camp who didn't have shower shoes, you were one nasty little shit. If you don't have shower shoes in college, you probably have some sort of STD going on.

3. Strange food

The dining halls have the weirdest things to eat, sometimes starving is just a better option. Camp taught me how to be a little Pinterest gal and make strange mixtures. Sugar and toast is always a good way to go.

4. Playlists

You know every song out there, the aux was born for you at this point. Throw on "Stacy's Mom" and everyone will be bowing down to you. You probably know every "throwback" to exist and that is all you need to succeed in life.

5. Living with other people

Bunks are much bigger than a dorm room, but your dorm room usually only has one or two other people. Is this a blessing or a curse? Either way you know how to respect peoples space and you probably have more patience than most freshmen.

6. "Homesick?"

What does this even mean at this point? As a kid, you got homesick because the camp food was just not for you, or you miss not wearing shower shoes. Your feet need to feel the water sometimes, I get it. I mean yeah, sometimes we miss being home, but we quickly realize that everything is just temporary. Once you go home, you'll want to be back at college.

7. Waking up early

Almost positive at camp breakfast was at 8am everyday, except the weekends. We didn't have a choice of not going to breakfast, so waking up for that 9am class now really isn't awful. Sorry to my counselors when I was younger, grumpiest morning person ever.

8. Themed parties

You've been making trendy outfits since you were 8 years old. Every themed dance at camp has prepared you for college. Halloween? You probably have at least 12 different ideas. Neon theme? Been there, done that 67 times.

9. Rush

Camp forces you to talk to complete strangers and make them your best friend, whether they want to be your friend or not. During rush, you start to play jewish geography and whoever is rushing you knows someone from your past. Being in a sorority is a lot like being in a big bunkhouse. Do you always like the people on the other side of the bunk? Nah. But you know how to tolerate people and play nice with everyone.

10. Rainy days

Your Hunters are your best friends. Rainy days at camp made me the happiest little nugget in the world. It sucks walking to class in the rain, but you've been preparing for this your whole life.

Sleep-away camp forces you to leave your little bubble of a life at a young age. College makes you completely pop that bubble, it's a brand new life. If I didn't go to camp, I don't know if I would really be able to conquer college. Thank you sleep-away camp for preparing me for whatever life throws at me.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51413
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32987
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956006
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180964
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments