This past week I had an opportunity to experience something I never thought I ever would and I didn't think would have as much of an impact on me as it has. You see, I was a camp counselor for a week, along with my older sister along with many others. To whom I didn't know prior to doing this, so I was obviously anxious. I was nervous being around people I didn't know, as well as being a counselor to a bunch of kids.
This isn't your typical camp either. Yes it was for kids, they had activities for these kids,it was overnight, and they had counselors. However, this camp was for kids who are currently in foster care and they got to come and spend time with their siblings who they don't get to see much of throughout the year. The camp is, "Camp to Belong."
I was told about this camp and what they were about by older sister, she has been apart of it for 3 years now. Each year she would tell me (along with my younger sister and mom) about her time each year and I loved hearing about. I always said I wanted to do it but I was never sure because of work. This year however I was determined to go.
It camp down to the day of us heading to camp, I was nervous but excited as well. My older sister was obviously excited, as she has done this many times.
When we arrived, I was still nervous, especially when the other counselors were arriving. Training was a little weird but it was fun. I enjoyed getting to know the other counselors throughout the weekend before the kids arrived. The day the kids were coming, we got to decorate our cabins and make posters to make them feel welcome.
It came down to the kids arriving and that's when I was more nervous about meeting the kids. I was scared that they wouldn't like me and that I was going to get names wrong. I did at first but I got it after awhile. I enjoyed watching the kids have fun with their siblings as well as the other kids around them.
Each day was planned out with different activities. Such as; horseback riding, water slides, aqua park, banana boats, scrapbooking, making pillows, making bracelets, and ropes. They also had a birthday party for everyone, a carnival, a beach party, as well as a talent show and a color war. It was a blast watching everyone enjoy themselves and not just the kids the counselor's got involved as well.
I participated in the talent show with the kids in my family group, they got me to do the kiki challenge with them. It was honestly a blast throughout the whole weekend. I went zip-lining for the first time.I was so nervous, but I did end up going and enjoying myself with some help from one of my fellow counselors who was part of my family group. I also got to go horseback riding which is no surprise.
The experience itself was something I wasn't expecting but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm happy I choose to go this year and I was able to have the experience I had. It made Adrienne and I a little closer then we were before and it also made me appreciate my relationship with both of my sisters. I can't wait to go next year and get to see everyone I met this year.
At camp to belong you can be yourself and no one cares how weird you are because everyone is and we are always acting weird. It was an enjoyable experience.
