When my time as an AmeriCorps member serving at Camp Hale on Squam Lake began, I spent the first few days at camp alone. A couple people came by every now and then to check on me, but other than that it was just me. And I was completely fine with that. I had time to get acclimated to my new space and just let my mind and spirit recharge. I listened to loons on the lake and owls in the trees, familiar and comforting sounds to me, coming from Wisconsin. During that time alone I worked on nature curriculum prepping a list of projects I had noticed needed to be done around camp.
Within the few weeks before I arrived on Squam Lake, I had left my editing job at a newspaper in my hometown in northern Wisconsin after five and a half years, being offered the position at Camp Hale back in March. The editing job I once enjoyed had become draining, to say the least, mentally and emotionally, and I’ll admit I had selfish reasons for wanting to spend a summer at a kids summer camp. I again didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I wanted out of where I was and five months at camp would give me time to figure the rest out.
When much of the staff, including counselors and admin, arrived at camp I had mixed feelings. I was glad they were there because those days alone had begun to drag, yet I knew the quiet that I had been reveling in was now behind me and it was time to kick the summer into gear. Those mixed feelings quickly turned into complete adoration of the people I have since spent at least some part of every day with; most of them are younger than me, ranging in age from 18 to mid-20s, yet more mature than many people I had been surrounded by before. The camp community of those who had been to camp before was strong and welcoming, and I was sucked into it. I could not remember the last time I felt so welcomed and loved by a group of people.
The mission of Camp Hale is to transform “youth into resilient leaders as they discover the wonders of nature, build a diverse community, and embrace challenging experiences,” and I saw that accomplished even before the kids arrived at camp, when I met those who had been campers and are now counselors and part of the admin team. Those amazing people are proof that Camp Hale is turning these youth, many who have never been away from their families or have ever left the city of Boston before, into leaders some can only wish to be. Taking kids out of their comfort zone and teaching them new skills, exposing them to new people and new environments, these young people are learning at camp to become independent and resilient, strong, and confident.
When I decided to join AmeriCorps, I knew I would be working hard, doing much more physical work daily than I had in a long time. Projects vary, but my feelings at the end of every day remains the same. I feel as if I am on a long, mental retreat, pulling myself back together while also being a part of a very positive and constructive camp family. Being able to share with young people a sense of independence and make exploring new things a fun, positive experience. Seeing attitudes and self-confidence transform each day. I’ve become a stronger leader than I ever have been before. I knew that whatever my experience with AmeriCorps would be like it would at the very least be rewarding, and I can honestly say rewarding is an understatement.
Emily is a half-year member serving at Camp Hale. She joined the program after spending over 5 years as an associate editor at her local newspaper. Learn more about Emily here.