Sunny Daze
It was a beautiful day here at Chenny. Not a raindrop in sight. The sun was shining today and felt as if it was shining down on just us. There is no difference between how a Thursday feels or a Saturday does up here at Chenny. No concept of time other than hearing the bugles and announcements that direct us where we need to be. I often say how “free” we are up here but it is a word that truly depicts what it feels like to live here all summer long. There is no time to feel bored, no opportunities to sit and watch Netflix or stare at a screen for hours on end. Our days a packed with things to do and relationships to build.
A first year counselor approached me after dinner with tears in her eyes and asked me “how does this place make me feel this way?” She explained that dancing in front anyone was something she would never do. She relayed how she is painfully shy and would never in a million years dance or sing in front of anyone, even her family. She said how free she feels here and couldn’t believe this piece existed inside of her. She danced with co-counselors and sang with her campers at the top of her lungs during dinner tonight – I know this because I was watching her transform into someone who was so very different when she arrived at camp. She was guarded and quiet and kept to herself. It was like watching a flower blossom. She felt free and let go of those insecurities. I explained to her that this is what happens here – you are truly allowed to be exactly who you are here without judgement. She left the Lodge with her campers surrounding her, holding her hands and feeling just as limitless she she did. That is the power of this place. We let go, we trust and then we fly.
We are as good as our team and our team is beyond incredible. They have blown our minds with their contagious energy and insane amounts of camp spirit. Even just meeting our newest campers just 5 days ago, they have fallen for every kid on this camp. To watch a counselor walk though camp holding hands with an 8 year old camper they just met last Saturday, is witnessing magic, pure magic. I am always so amazed at how quick the bonds are formed but when our hearts are open to new people coming into our lives, the results are meaningful and impacts us all.
Tonights evening activity was Dueling Pianos and the sing-a-long party was epic. There is something about 2 pianos, a hyped up staff and campers who love to sing at the top of their lungs that makes for a great night. The party was high energy and so much fun. Just another incredible night.
It was another day living well, happy and free at Camp Chen-A-Wanda!