College Essay

A tune is stuck in my head as I am sitting in the family room and working on my college essays. As I hesitate and remember all the memories and realize the song not only reminds me of camp but about the years I have ahead of me when I go to college.
I can still hear my stubborn voice echoing in the back of my head, “I will never go back to that camp ever again, no matter what you say. I promise I am not going back.” I was a single-minded fourteen year old determined not to go back to summer camp. In my mind, the only positive thing about camp was coming home. But, my mother was relentless. For months, she would discuss with me the importance of “the camp experience” and meeting new kids my age. She thought it was essential that I interact with children who shared my Christian faith. She even went as far as bribing me using her best friend. I grew up knowing Carol and she treated me like one of her own; she also happened to be the camp nurse for the summer. My mother thought I would feel more comfortable and at home if Carol was there with me. So, despite my increasing fear of being shipped off to camp, there was a tiny part of me that was hoping I would be wrong.
I do not know what change occurred in me from the time I refused to go to camp to when my mom highly recommended that I should go back, but my experience was a whole new one. The impact Camp Sandy Cove had on me is tremendous. I made lifelong friends who form a support group whenever I need someone to talk to. There is an overwhelming sense of community that takes place and everyone feels like they make an impact. This camp is one of the only places I can do something completely oriented around my religion. Everything is done as a group; eating, sleeping, singing, praying, playing, and dancing. Everyone I am surrounded by is completely immersed in the Christian faith and embraces every aspect of it. A campers’ growth in religion has nowhere to go but up.
Camp Sandy Cove made me the person I am today.... [continues]

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