We do BIG things at camp. We have camp carnivals with games, prizes, motorcycle rides, a dunk tank and fire truck rides.   We transform bland cafeterias into dazzling cruise lounges. We put together over 25 daily class offerings including film class, archery, canoeing, jewelry making, duct tape designs, bottle rocketry, and much more.

But while these are the activities that create the foundation of camp magic, the joy in camp life is not always in the grand events.

As I ate my grilled cheese sandwich at lunch yesterday, I looked up to see three campers giggle uncontrollably as they stood in front of the drink machine. They were furiously mixing orange, yellow, and purple Gatorade, creating new flavors that only young kids could love.  That’s camp for me.

In the late afternoon, I was hurrying off on my latest assignment, passing through the “Hot Spot” – a place where kids can relax in the afternoon.   One camper asked if anyone wanted to play chess. I put down my backpack and within 30 minutes, this nine-year-old chess whiz captured my king.   “Checkmate!” he shouted and high-fived his friends that had gathered around to cheer him on.   That’s camp for me.

Before lights out, a couple of teens gathered in my room to begin deciding on the song for our talent show act.   We played cheesy songs, debated the merits of various reality TV shows, and shared silly stories from home.   There’s no judging, competition, or worries – only building of self-confidence, acceptance and independence. And that’s the best part of camp for me.