Back to storiesFrom my very first day as a camper to summers spent leading my own bunk, camp has been where nerves turned into belonging and friendships turned into family.
I still remember my very first day at camp at age 7, walking through the gates of Camp Micah for the very first time with a mix of excitement and nerves. So many thoughts were going through my head: wondering if I would fit in or make friends, wondering if I would like the activities, and so much more. Almost immediately, the counselors and older campers I met welcomed me with open arms, and quickly, all of my worries washed away.
Over the years, those early friendships have held strong, growing into relationships that have shaped much of who I am today. Now that I am in college, I am surrounded by childhood camp friends that I am so lucky to share another place I call home. The camp community goes far beyond the gates of Camp Micah.
As I returned each summer, camp became a place of laughter, safety, and home. A few years ago, I found myself on the other side of camp as a counselor. For four summers, it was my turn to guide my campers through the same mix of nerves and excitement I once felt. I wanted to be the counselor that I always looked up to as a camper. Watching them grow, seeing them find their own confidence, and forming bonds has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Camp has given me friendships that feel like family, mentors who have inspired me, and campers who have reminded me of the magic of camp. It’s a place that has shaped the person I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
