Most college kids spend their summer working a part time job, traveling, and hanging out with friends. But I chose to spend my summer a little differently. I chose to spend eight weeks working at a summer camp instead of the mall. I chose to spend time away from my family and friends to give kids the best summer ever. I chose to step way outside of my comfort zone and force myself to meet new people and have new experiences. I chose to spend my summer working at an overnight camp for children with behavioral and learning disabilities. I chose to spend my summer differently than most others, and I am so happy I did.

Many people may say that I wasted my summer because I chose to spend it at camp. However, I strongly disagree with that statement. Instead of working a part time job and having a bunch of free time, I spent 6 days a week with amazing kids and a fabulous cast of co-workers. We relished the weekends we got off to catch up on sleep, eat some real food, and relax. After a longer work week than most adults have, Saturday nights between sessions were like candy. I don't think any part time job could have compared to the magic I experienced at camp.

This summer, I definitely did not get to travel the world or go on any kind of epic adventure. I did get to go on a life-changing journey. I got to see some of the most beautiful sights I could have imagined. All day hikes, long canoe trips, and sleeping under the stars gave me plenty of memories to last a life time. On top of all of this, I got to watch awestruck kids be amazed by what they could accomplish, what they saw, and the friends they made. So I may not have gotten to spend a week on a beautiful beach, but I would not trade my eight weeks in the woods for the world.

I spent my summer miles away from home, and from college. I spent it away from all of my friends that I knew loved and accepted my weirdness. I got to camp and I was mildly terrified that I would not make friends. I was proven wrong in the first thirty seconds I was in the room with the other counselors. These counselors were the most kind-hearted, beautiful-souled, happy, warm, and loving group of people I had ever met. Everyone that came in was welcomed with open arms. I love my friends at home, but I have a second family at camp. I wouldn't have wanted to spend my summer with anyone else.

If you think I wasted my summer, think again. I may have chosen to spend my first summer after college in an unconventional way, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I made a lifetime's worth of memories with some lifelong friends. I can't wait to go back to this beautiful place and to witness more kids experience the magic. I did not waste my summer. I had the best summer I could have ever wanted.

Peace. Love. Camp.