What I Learned From Summer Camp

​Here I was, once again, at Camp Can-Aqua where Geordie and his sister Lindsey
were campers then counselors for over ten years each. They talked about camp
SO MUCH I thought, “What on earth is so special about this camp?” So I became the
camp nurse for five years. Geordie and I were known as “The Doctors.”
And I found out how truly magical summer camp is.

Each year, when I come back I am reminded of the important things in life.
It is extraordinary to see kids of all ages and cultures, where no one cares if you’re a jock,
a nerd, your sexual orientation or how much money you have. Everyone just wants
to build relationships, be out in nature and have good clean fun. You learn leadership
skills, although a lot of the time you are not even aware of it, amazing life lessons
and reminders of what you can be.

To see these kids grieving because they are saying goodbye to each other tugs at my heart. They have had the greatest summer ever. They’re in their socks and sandals and messy hair,
just enjoying being together and forming lifelong friendships.

What is important? It’s what’s in your heart. We all want and deserve the same things; acceptance, respect and happiness. I thank Camp Can-Aqua for giving my children this amazing opportunity, where they feel all of this and so much more. This was Jadyn and Tanner’s 7th summer. It wasn’t easy to convince them to come home.

Thank you to all summer camps everywhere for teaching children
what can be—acceptance, friendships regardless of differences
and good clean fun!