As the springtime weather comes, I think back to one of my favorite times of the year when I would receive the catalog for the programs offered at Casowasco, the summer camp I used to attend. Going to Casowasco has been one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. You might be wondering “Why is this summer camp so special?”

To answer this question, I’ll simply say that these programs were created to help me and other children, grow into beings that believed they could achieve anything while having fun at the same time. So in order to reconcile on the amazing times, I had at summer camp, I am taking, this time, to appreciate what Casowasco has done for me and to thank you.

Thank you for making me be more independent:

Personally, I have always been more independent than other kids my age. But, being able to make my own decisions on what activities I want to participate in, such as swimming or archery, without constant parental guidance was a new experience that has helped me today. Because of this independence I gained, not always relying on my parents or being under their constant guidance to make specific decisions, I now have a better understanding of how to be on my own.

Thank you for making me outgoing:

Honestly, I wasn’t always the greatest at making friends when I was younger. I wasn’t exactly shy, but I wasn’t the most comfortable talking to people I didn’t know. When I attended Casowasco for the first time, my parents were proud that I was willing to go without a friend from home. I was also proud of myself but extremely terrified at the same time. Even though I was panicked in the first few moments, as soon as I walked through the door to check in, I felt my worries vanish and slowly began to converse with more staff members and campers.

Thank you for encouraging cleanliness:

Oddly enough, cleaning isn’t something you’d really consider a lot when your thoughts are in summer camp. At Casowasco, there was a daily cleaning competition judged by the Masked Inspector Detecting Dirt, Waste, and Yuck, also known as the MIDWAY. All of us campers strive to keep our rooms spotless to win the Golden Dustpan, which was rewarded each day to whoever had the cleanest room. Frankly I still act as though I’m competing for this today and if it weren’t for this competition of cleanliness, I’m sure my room would look atrocious right now!

Thank you to the counselors:

The counselors that I’ve had at summer camp were all amazing. I have never not loved one of my counselors. They were all very kind, patient, and trustworthy. I know that even today if I were to ask them for advice, they would gladly give it to me. Most importantly, all of the summer camp counselors embraced who they were and showed that to us, children, allowing us to open up more and to have fun no matter what.

Thank you to those who organize these programs:

If there were no one in charge of organizing the specific programs that were provided at camp, there would be no differences of the weeks you attended. There would be no Slime Time or sneak outs! Not only would this be really saddening, since these activities are awesome, but it wouldn’t make the programs offered at camp each week unique.

Thank you for all the pictures and letters I have to look at:

It was always heart-warming to get a letter at the end of the day from my family, talking about what’s going on at home or what they saw me do that day online. Even though I liked receiving these letters, the best thing was to be able to go online when I got home and see what pictures were put up. Because a picture is worth a thousand words. Today, I still have all of my pictures from summer camp and reminisce on the memories of what I was able to do during these weeks at Casowasco. Special thanks to Jimbo and his camera skills for that!

Thank you for giving me faith:

Having grown up in households where religion wasn’t a priority, I never really gave any thought to the existence of God. First attending Casowasco, I was a bit hesitant about the Christian aspects since I had hardly ever been to church. But, I rather enjoyed being able to have the Bible explained to me, reading passages, and having a religious theme every day to discuss with our groups. Since these teachings, I’ve believed things happen for a reason, that we’re all destined for greatness and part of an elaborate plan we’re not aware of. Being able to attend a Methodist summer camp allowed me to be more comfortable discussing religion and how having faith, in myself, others, and God, can allow me to have hope in any aspect of my life.

Thank you for Chapel:

Music has always been something I’ve loved and is generally easier for me to memorize than anything else. Chapel played a big role in allowing me to express myself freely, from the interactions with counselors during skits, dancing, and singing. Singing these songs in Chapel allowed me to simultaneously enjoy the music being played and learn about God. And when I least expect it, I start singing old camp songs from Chapel like “Rise and Sing” or “Take It All.” It started to become a tradition that I would listen to all of these songs, at least, a month before I went camping, and if I’m being completely honest right now, I’m currently dancing and singing to some of these songs right now.

Thank you for making Casowasco a technology-free zone:

Wait, no technology?! That’s right, Casowasco always asks for you to leave any technological device at home or give it to your counselor right after you check-in. I was completely fine with this policy knowing that I’d get my music substitution every night at Chapel. I’m actually pretty grateful this rule was created and reinforced at summer camp. Instead of all the campers having their heads stuck in their phones or earbuds being their best friend, we were able to connect on a more personal level, escaping the influences of the world and technology in Casowasco’s bubble.

Thank you for making me feel at home:

Summer was, and always will be, my favorite season. Yes, there’s the freedom from school, the amazing weather, traveling, etc. And even though I got to enjoy all of these things, going to Casowasco was the most important one. Pulling onto the road where Casowasco always gave me butterflies in my stomach and put a smile on my face. I’d jump out of the car and run as fast as I could to get registered.

Once I knew where I was staying for the week, I’d grab all of my belongings and practically force my parents to leave the property. The joy I had at Casowasco is something I don’t think I could find anywhere else. As soon as I’d leave, I would be a little sad, feeling as though I was leaving a place where I belonged, a place where I could be myself and proudly call my home.

For everything you have done and will continue to do for myself and other campers, I owe you my gratitude. The memories that you have given me will last a lifetime. I think I can speak on behalf of all Casowasco campers when I say you make beautiful things out of us, making us campers feel like we will always have a place where will always belong and can continue to call home.