One of the things I love hearing from parents is how their child did something at camp, tried something for the first time or liked something at camp that they never did before. It’s usually followed by a, “I have no idea how you got them to do (eat, like, say) that, but I’m grateful.” For some reason, at camp things just sound better, taste better and are just flat out better than they are at home.
I was reminded of this truth today when I was delivering apples during fourth period on the apple cart. One of the campers asked if we grew our own apples on camp because they were “the BEST apples she had ever tasted.” Another camper told me that he didn’t really like apples, but “camp apples are different and taste so much better.” Another camper echoed and said, “Yeah, what kind of apples are these anyway? They definitely don’t have them where I live!”
You may be thinking that this is hyperbole, or just kids being kids. But it’s true…being at camp just makes life better. Cold apples taste sweeter after a hot game of lacrosse, jokes are funnier and make you laugh harder than any friend you have at home, and even chores are fun with your favorite playlist and cabinmates by your side. Camp changes the rules of our everyday lives and gives us permission to enjoy the simple things more…to live not just a good life, but a better life.
I cannot possibly tell you how good camp life was today. Truly, it was better than I could have ever imagined for our first full day of camp. I cannot remember the first Monday of camp being this positive, this energetic and this much fun! Tonight at dinner, Cabin 1 started applauding and cheering when their counselor reached their table with the food. This led to Cabin 9 doing the same thing. Then Cabin 27, Cabin 33, Cabin 12 and so on. It was the fastest spreading trend I’ve ever witnessed, and it was pure JOY! I watched as the counselors were beaming with pride approaching their table, feeling like the hero of the moment. I was in awe. It’s the counselors who are supposed to make the campers’ day, but the campers truly make our day over and over again! Oh how I love these kids! They make my life so much better!