I know I am one of those people. And you are too; that’s why we have always gotten along so well. Camp people, more specifically camp counselors, are a different kind of people. We are way too hype 200 percent of the time simply because that’s the lifestyle- and I wouldn't want it any other way. Every moment is a new and exciting opportunity to sing louder than we should while annoying the older campers yet thrilling the younger ones. That's why Camp Friends are so important. Ladies: when I’m tired, annoyed, or down, I look to you and I see this crazy joy that lets me rally; and I am so proud to call you my best friend.
You make every second at camp joyous. Of course, there’s the stress that comes from taking care of a dozen or more children and teenagers, demanding camp directors, and trying your hardest to be the best role model possible, but being with you at the end of the day makes all of that easy. In every camp related victory, memory, heartbreak, and growth -- you are there with me. Every now and then the world outside of the "camp bubble" seems more exciting and realistic, but I wouldn't trade late-night ice cream raids, burned s’mores, and excessive costumes with you for anything in the world.
There have been moments in my life when I needed you more than you know. Some of them were at camp, but many of them were not. That's how I know how amazing you are. Because you were there. You are the most amazing people I know, and I get to call you my friends.
We are camp friends, but we’re not limited to camp. I call you my camp friends because that's the part of my life you are most prominent in, but you're not just camp friends. You're forever friends.
I have so much to say to you, but there are a few major things you should probably hear:
Thanks for going to camp. Thanks for creating the best workplace anyone could ask for. Thanks for letting me snuggle with you. Thanks for not judging me when I got three different kinds of ice cream at midnight. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder. Thanks for singing with me. Thanks for laughing with me. Thanks for laughing at me. Thanks for accepting me, being you, and, most importantly, being a camp person.
Camp Friends: You know me better than anyone else. You are so beautiful, inside and out, yet so humble. You bring the best out of me, and for that, I couldn't be more grateful. Camp is home -- camp is y'all. You're simultaneously the coolest and weirdest people I’ve ever met. Like, seriously, so... weird. But all the cheers, songs, and letters in the world couldn't captivate how much I love y'all.
There will always be Chattanooga memories of you.
