Ever since May 30 I have felt like a new person. On that day I met my Camp Swift campers, and we immediately created strong bonds. It was amazing to watch children from broken homes and underprivileged lives explore the outdoors as carefree kids.
Camp Swift was the first time many had an opportunity to erase their worries of home life and explore new hobbies that they never had the chance to experience at home. One of my campers had six siblings and a single mom. If she were home, her summer would have been all work and no play. And play we did. My cabin connected through name games, crafts, storytelling and loving care. This positive atmosphere continued throughout the session where some learned to make friendship bracelets and others experienced swimming for the first time.
In preparation for this experience, I attended a one-day workshop where I learned leadership, safety and programming skills. I was taught how to cope with different personalities through role-playing and camper-related scenarios. The number one thing I took from the training was that these kids were to be engaged, included and treated like regular kids, which they are.
The “Trust Fall” activity demonstrated what each girl in my cabin was like, because it revealed the anxious ones and the daredevils. Campers had to fall back and trust that someone would be there to catch them. Some campers were terrified by this activity, as I would have been when I was younger. So I helped my campers, and they all grew the strength to fall. By the end of the program, all the girls trusted their cabin mates, and I felt a sense of accomplishment.
Camp Swift provides opportunities for a fun, positive and nourishing experiences. I loved seeing the shy campers scream during dance parties and seeing the hyper campers take activities seriously. I was able to watch these kids grow and experience happiness.
Although the counselors create energy and fun, the campers are what really makes Camp Swift extremely special. The campers give the counselors inspiration and the gift of a life-changing summer. All the counselors leave Camp Swift with a smile on their faces, because they know they impacted someone’s life. On the last day of camp, many tears were shed. Happy tears for the positive impact Camp Swift had on these special kids; sad tears for having to say goodbye; and finally tears of heartbreak for the tough times these children would face at home.
The girls in my cabin gave me a gift I will always treasure. Being a counselor at Camp Swift helped me discover my inner desire to be selfless and to help people whenever I get the chance. I became so close to the girls in my cabin and found myself wishing the session were longer. I loved seeing all the campers have an amazing summer, and I will now have memories that will last a lifetime. I’ve already started the countdown to Camp Swift summer 2014!
Ellie Barget, 15, is a sophomore at Chaparral High School. She is involved in BBYO and is an active member at Congregation Beth Israel. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her friends and spending time with family.
