The closest thing to summer camp for me as a kid was YMCA summer day camps. I never had the traditional overnight camp experience. In 2016, my best friend persuaded me to apply to be a camp counselor at Camp Waldemar for girls - an all girls’ camp in Hunt, Texas.
I was originally supposed to go on vacation during the dates of the camp term but my plans fell through and I definitely know it was God telling me that I needed to be a counselor at this camp. I applied and a few days later I had a phone interview, which ended with me being offered the job! I was so excited but more nervous than I have ever been in my life.
Two years later, I sit here reading a handwritten letter from one of my campers, which inspired me to write a letter to the camp that changes lives every summer. I didn’t even know the number of things God had in store for me when I became a counselor at Camp Waldemar. Here are just a few things I am thankful for.
Dear Camp Waldemar,
First of all, thank you for shaping me into the counselor that I am today and for teaching me more things than you know. You taught me how to balance living with six tiny humans who love to whisper loudly across their bunks (even during rest hour). You taught me how to talk countless campers through homesickness. You taught me how to care about every camper I come in contact with. You pushed me to learn patience and to have it not only with others, but also with myself. You taught me how to be selfless. Just as you do, you taught me how to do everything in love.
Thank you for giving me a week filled with smiles, laughter, and memories. Thank you for nourishing our bodies with not only the amazing food served but with knowledge and love. Thank you for introducing me to a group of people who I would call some of the best humans on the planet. Thank you for allowing me to share my passion of music with some of your campers. Thank you for being the most breathtaking and beautiful camp. Thank you for helping me feel closer to God during my time here. Thank you for introducing me to the funniest, most pure, and honest children I have ever met. They have taught me just as much as I’ve taught them and they don’t even know it. Thank you for being one of the most cherished memories I have had during these past two summers.
The friendships created, the bonds formed, the lessons learned, the amount of walking done, the songs sung, and the dances danced will all be in my heart forever, just as you will.
Thank you, Camp Waldemar.
Your second-year counselor,
Hayli Salinas
