Reflections in Session One at Camp ABC

Korrin B.

July 10, 2009 - 4:05 PM

Our first camping session of four has come to an end. Yesterday, we bused 236 girls back into New York City after giving them the best summer experience we could. It was an exhausting ten days full of all types of emotion and action. However, looking back on it now I see only the triumphs.

We took our campers on so many different adventures that they would normally not have. One night, we took them boating on the lake. Each of them got to take a turn rowing. It was so special to watch their excitement as they got over their fears and realized that they could row even better than their counselor! We took them on an overnight hike where they laughed around a campfire while making s'mores. We introduced them to several subjects, so that they could have the opportunity to find a passion - ceramics, dance, photography, cooking, film, circus, recreation, art. The final night, we all dressed up and served them a lovely meal, followed promptly by ice cream sundaes and a dance party (during which I learned tons of new moves!).

I had moments where I wondered if I was really making a difference in the lives of these amazing children. I got my answer on the final night. Several campers who had been in my art classes came up to me to thank me for letting them make their art. One girl who had made a collage of her dream house and life said to me, "It meant so much to me. Seriously. And I'm going to have that someday." Another girl left me a note in my art class that read, "You make art our destiny." A third girl told me, "I love my painting so much. I can't wait to show it to my mom. Thank you for being my art teacher."

On that final night, my heart was so full of feel goods and warm fuzzies. I couldn't stop smiling. I felt like a big tub of cozy, delicious soup. I think I just might've changed a life this summer.

It was sad saying goodbye to my campers at the bus terminal, but I couldn't help but smile and get the chills watching their parents and guardians pick them up. The excitement and love was so honest. There's nothing quite like the energy of an arrivals terminal in a mass transportation facility. There's someone waiting for you.

I can't wait until session two, although this time off is going to be insanely heavenly. I have already begun to think of new art projects that I can do with the campers that will be fun and also teach them the importance of self-love and kindness.

Here's a toast to my first group of campers at the Fresh Air Fund's Camp ABC! May they have an incredible rest of their summer and have lives full of opportunity and joy.