The Importance of Going to Summer Camp

I am fortunate enough to attend Adirondack Camp in upstate New York for 4 weeks every summer. Here, I have made some of the best memories in my life. I have met people from all around the world, friends that will last a lifetime, and created some incredible memories with some incredible people. It is here where I can truly be myself, and not worry about any sort of stress. Camp has found a special place in my heart, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it.  

I have found some amazing new hobbies here. When I can branch out to other activities, I am able to find something I love to do and embrace it to the fullest. I have learned some hobbies that changed my life. I then can go out and pursue these to the absolute fullest.

I used to only think of camp as a fun time during the summer, but it wasn’t until last summer until I realized what camp truly means to me. I was unable to attend for 2 weeks and I was so unhappy. The thought of losing another year’s summer because of Covid washed over me. However, I thought more positively and I looked back to my previous years, and I realized how fortunate I am to have this place. When I started to think this way, I began to think about this place from a whole new perspective. Even though I only got half of the seven weeks, the people were still just as incredible, and I made some great memories with these people who hadn’t changed a bit.    

I have learned some incredible life lessons through the people I have met at camp.  I have learned about encouragement, dedication, determination, and being competitive. The amount of independence I have learned is incredible.  Even though my parents will try to always be there for me, I believe being able to be independent is very important and camp gave me the opportunity to do that. Being dedicated is also incredibly important for success.  Being dedicated allows me to pursue my passions vehemently. What about determination and competition?  I know that since going to camp,I have developed better social skills and more meaningful connections with others around me. The fact that I have found some friends that are from different states, even different countries and know that no matter how far away they are, they and I will always live under the same stars. The essentiality of these relationships I have made at a camp is second to none. In order to kick off these friendships, all I had to do was sit at a lunch table and say hello. 

In conclusion, going to camp, for me, is essential.  I have found friends that I believe will be in my life for a long time.  I have found a home away from home with a group of people who I consider family.