Some moments from a childhood at camp are not always the most joyful, but that doesn’t mean they are not memorable, or, more importantly, formidable moments in the growth of a child.
One such memory for me came during my first summer at Manitou in 1989. As an 8-year-old, I arrived at camp not knowing anyone but my older brother. While he headed off and settled in pretty seamlessly, those first few days were not quite as easy for me.
I remember being in the Rec Hall for evening activity on the second night at camp. As I sat alone, with tears welling up in my eyes, I was soon visited by Dean, the camper head. We sat, he talked, I listened, he talked, I cried, he talked, I laughed, he laughed, I cried. And so went a pretty standard homesick camper encounter.
As the event came to an end, we decided to make a visit to the infirmary, though not quite reaching the entrance before the nerves boiled over and I became sick on the grass in front. And then…that was it. I was fine, I was ready, and I never looked back. My brother, the ideal camper spent only 5 summers at camp and moved on. I spent 14 and have now made it my life’s work.
So, what’s the point?
First, for you parents out there, please don’t worry. Might your child be homesick? Perhaps. Might some days be harder than others? Definitely. But allow us, the camp professionals, to work through the hard times with your daughter. Odds are, we’ve not just seen the scenario before, we might have even lived it. If I rushed to go home or if my parents overreacted, who knows where I’d be today. Certainly, not here.
And second, this story reminds us that the value of the summer camp experience can equally shine through during a child’s most difficult days. For every time there is a someone there to cheer you on, give you a high five, or tell you “great job,” there is ALWAYS someone there to put your arm around you and lift your spirits in the most challenging of times. A counselor, a bunkmate, or someone you’ve never met doing what matters most…being a good friend.
-JH
