Sleep-away camp should be an important part of every child’s summer. In fact, it has become a popular activity each summer, and about 10 million campers attend one of the 12,000 camps nationwide. Different summer camps target different kids. There are specialized camps for singers, actors, artists and musicians, but there also all around camps that offer a mix of many hobbies and activities. There is a camp that is a great fit for everyone. Camp offers more than just ‘something to do during summer,’ it offers an escape from reality for just seven weeks where one is able to completely be his/herself knowing everyone around you supports you for who you are. It offers one an opportunity to become more independent, increase responsibilities, try new activities and develop close bonds with friends.
I attended Camp Taconic for six summers: as a camper and a LIT (leader in training.) From an outsider’s perspective, one cannot grasp the extreme attachment one develops for camp. I have been questioned many times from individuals wondering what makes camp such an amazing experience, forcing me to return summer after summer. Not only have I made some of my closest friends at camp, I have truly learned some of the most important life lessons.
Living at camp is a completely different experience from living at home. At camp one lives in a small, not so luxurious, wooden bunk with anywhere from seven to twelve other girls/boys. Living with so many other people forces one to learn to compromise and respect others belongings and ideas, even when one does not agree. Being away from home, without one’s parents takes some adjustment but helps build self-confidence as well as independence.
Camp does not offer complete independence, but is a big step into real life. As one moves up through the age groups in camp each year, one gets more freedoms, but also more responsibilities. For instance, counselors unpack lower camper’s trunks, however upon arriving at camp as an upper camper, one is responsible for unpacking and organizing their belongings, neatly into a limited amount of space. Older divisions are also granted the privilege of “caravan,” which is a trip away from camp. Palindromes, or camper in the 11’s age group, only have a one-night trip to Vermont. Each following year trips are longer, more exciting, and offer more freedoms. Subdubs, or 12 year olds, travel to Lake George for two nights, Sub seniors, or 13 year olds, travel to Boston for three nights, seniors travel to Toronto for four nights, and finally when one is a Teen, or camper in the 15’s age group, one travels to California for a week. The trip to California is a highlight of Teen’s summer, something campers look forward to even as a lower camper.
Camp is a great way to discover who one is, or reinvent oneself in a non-judgmental atmosphere. One is not constrained to a reputation or role one has at home. For example, someone thought to be a “jock” at home can do ceramics, or be the lead in their age group show. Many activities that are not offered at home are available at camp, allowing campers to explore new facets of their personalities. Some uncommon activities, offered at camp that one cannot do at home include trapeze, archery, stained glass, waterskiing, jewelry making, costume design, batik, rock wall, ropes course, horseback riding, woodworking and canoeing.
At camp one doesn’t only grow close to other campers, one also develops relationships to his/her counselors. Counselors at Camp Taconic come from all over the world. It’s an amazing experience to learn about other cultures in a natural way through friendship.
Camp has had such an impact on my life not only during the summers, but also throughout the year at home. Friendships that I have made at camp are so important to me. Although most of bunkmates live in different towns, we still manage to set aside time to catch up and spend together. Activities that I began at camp, I have also continued to explore at home. For instance I first tried photography at camp, and I continue with this hobby by taking the photo classes at my high school. Living in a bunk with others has taught me skills and helped me get along with peers at home. Camp is such a positive experience; I would recommend it to everyone.
I attended Camp Taconic for six summers: as a camper and a LIT (leader in training.) From an outsider’s perspective, one cannot grasp the extreme attachment one develops for camp. I have been questioned many times from individuals wondering what makes camp such an amazing experience, forcing me to return summer after summer. Not only have I made some of my closest friends at camp, I have truly learned some of the most important life lessons.
Living at camp is a completely different experience from living at home. At camp one lives in a small, not so luxurious, wooden bunk with anywhere from seven to twelve other girls/boys. Living with so many other people forces one to learn to compromise and respect others belongings and ideas, even when one does not agree. Being away from home, without one’s parents takes some adjustment but helps build self-confidence as well as independence.
Camp does not offer complete independence, but is a big step into real life. As one moves up through the age groups in camp each year, one gets more freedoms, but also more responsibilities. For instance, counselors unpack lower camper’s trunks, however upon arriving at camp as an upper camper, one is responsible for unpacking and organizing their belongings, neatly into a limited amount of space. Older divisions are also granted the privilege of “caravan,” which is a trip away from camp. Palindromes, or camper in the 11’s age group, only have a one-night trip to Vermont. Each following year trips are longer, more exciting, and offer more freedoms. Subdubs, or 12 year olds, travel to Lake George for two nights, Sub seniors, or 13 year olds, travel to Boston for three nights, seniors travel to Toronto for four nights, and finally when one is a Teen, or camper in the 15’s age group, one travels to California for a week. The trip to California is a highlight of Teen’s summer, something campers look forward to even as a lower camper.
Camp is a great way to discover who one is, or reinvent oneself in a non-judgmental atmosphere. One is not constrained to a reputation or role one has at home. For example, someone thought to be a “jock” at home can do ceramics, or be the lead in their age group show. Many activities that are not offered at home are available at camp, allowing campers to explore new facets of their personalities. Some uncommon activities, offered at camp that one cannot do at home include trapeze, archery, stained glass, waterskiing, jewelry making, costume design, batik, rock wall, ropes course, horseback riding, woodworking and canoeing.
At camp one doesn’t only grow close to other campers, one also develops relationships to his/her counselors. Counselors at Camp Taconic come from all over the world. It’s an amazing experience to learn about other cultures in a natural way through friendship.
Camp has had such an impact on my life not only during the summers, but also throughout the year at home. Friendships that I have made at camp are so important to me. Although most of bunkmates live in different towns, we still manage to set aside time to catch up and spend together. Activities that I began at camp, I have also continued to explore at home. For instance I first tried photography at camp, and I continue with this hobby by taking the photo classes at my high school. Living in a bunk with others has taught me skills and helped me get along with peers at home. Camp is such a positive experience; I would recommend it to everyone.