Why do I love camp?

Yes, I am 18-years-old and have gone to camp since I was 10, but I still love it and probably always will. Each new summer in my isolated oasis in Freedom, New Hampshire brings new experiences, new faces and new opportunities to grow as a person. I can honestly say there is no other single place that can transform me in the same way that my nine weeks away does. No amount of lectures or internships can surpass what I experience and witness at camp.

Camp has certain elements that make it so dear to me. Each little detail on this endlessly long laundry list of why I love camp is important. There are some details that stand out more than anything, like with anything meaningful in life.

I love camp because of the location. The name speaks for itself: Freedom, New Hampshire. Yes, my little cabin on Lake Ossippe is a world of difference from my small Pennsylvanian hometown, but that’s why it is so special. It is where I can hike the highest mountains of the Appalachian Trail, explore the beautiful waters and picturesque New England, and live in the open fresh air for nine weeks straight. It’s amazing really.

Each summer, as my father drops me off to my summer home, he is sure to remark to enjoy my time outside if all else fails because it truly is the only time in life to constantly enjoy the outdoors without the worries of adult or “real” life when I’m old and have a family, job and other obligations that may inhibit my exploratory side.

I love camp because of the campers. I have always been labeled someone who loves kids. It’s honestly because of my experience at camp. My high school yearbook's “senior will” marked me as a future mom of six. This label is one I’m proud of. The reason counselors come back to camp each year is to provide the same experience to our campers that we so enjoyed and appreciated while marking them as key stages of our lives. Not only do we learn how to care for children, but when you play with kids constantly, it also allows you to never grow up and you can preserve your child-like and playful side so many lose with age.

I love camp because of the connections you make. Never is there a day when I am not sporting my camp clothing, no matter where I am, that a former Camp Huckins alumni is soft to speak to a fellow Huckins girl to reminisce on our current or past experiences. Just as school and family connections serve as a link to one’s resources, job connections and so on, camp is all of that and more.

I love camp because it is nearly the only way to escape technology nowadays. Yes, I’m still addicted to conserving my Snapchat streaks and catching up on Netflix, however, there is something about being so close to nature and children that makes the outside world of constant buzz and social media not so relevant. Instead, my surroundings and living in the moment becomes the focus while all else fades like background noise. With this sensation all camp lovers feel, a sudden close connection to the place and people around you is present.

I love camp because there is always something to do. Always needing to do something, personalities like myself live for the camp experience. When you are “paid to play” there is never a dull moment. You always feel busy and important. Who doesn’t want to feel that beautiful sensation?

I love camp because it taught me how to be myself. As mentioned earlier, camp skills, whether it be in terms of leadership, living with others or sports related events, it all has taught me how to be the best version of myself more than any other place. It is the skills I learn here that make me who the “real world” sees me as well…me.

I love camp because of the invigorating freedom that comes with it. As counselors, we have the opportunity to seize our single night and day off each week to explore New Hampshire and make memories that last a lifetime.

Last but not least, I love camp because of the people. Like with anywhere, the people within the place are what makes it so special, not just the place itself. Camp is where I met my best friends, my college roommate and the future bridesmaids in my wedding; it is everything, as fellow staff member of mine duly noted, “Camp is a sisterhood.” Camp is so much more than the connections, pristine setting and constant fun; it’s family. Huckins hearts to all.