We all have that one thing in our life that we can never let go of. Whether it be people, places or things, we'd do anything to make sure it never leaves us. My thing is my sleep away camp which I attended for five years or longer.

Every summer that I attended, I was always happy to be there. Regardless of everything that was going on in my life, my summers were always filled with happiness and joy. When I started, I was 14 years old. Last year, was my final summer attending (although I hope to sneak in for some more!) and I could not be more grateful.

The more summers I went there, the more I felt myself growing. The person I was when I first started, and the person I am now are two somewhat different people. To change isn't necessarily a bad thing. As long as you don't lose yourself when you're changing that's all that matters.

During my time at camp, I've had people look up to me, and I've had people that I looked up to and continue to. Being in an atmosphere where the world isn't a dark and scary place should be something everyone at least experiences once in a lifetime.

My time at camp may be over, but I will never forget the people and the memories I've made. Although I'm not a camper anymore, it's gonna take a lot more than my age to get rid of me. Having this experience has taught me a lot. It has helped me make friendships with people all over the world.

It has been my own Neverland. Being in camp has made me never want to grow up.

Here's to you, Southampton Freshair Home. Thank you for everything.