interest. Mastery, an adaptive expertise trait here at Cannon, is also a main principle at Camp Merri-Mac throughout the classes. The events and activities I participate in teach me to learn and try new, adventurous things, while becoming a stronger leader. At Merri-Mac, I enjoy engaging in riflery, soccer, cooking, and my favorite, guitar. One year in guitar we got to go around camp and play popular songs to the other campers. As we strummed our wooden instruments to the beat of Taylor Swift songs to the different camp classes all around Merri-Mac, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! From what is clearly shown, I get the chance to expose and educate myself on so many fantastic activities to be involved in. Additionally, camp is a life changing journey because I get rewarded for achieving new milestones in the activities listed above, although that is not the main focus of why camp is so utterly important. Furthermore, to explain, in my activities, I work my hardest which results in learning new skills everyday. From the hard work, I can earn bars for completing specific skills or tasks in the activity. If a bar is completed, it is recorded and added to a camper’s file with all of their bars, which are tallied in the form of marks. Campers are motivated to collect as many marks as they can from their activities to receive promotions, or awards for their achievements. Promotions are a big deal at camp, because they build a camper’s confidence and belief in themselves. It shows them all that they can accomplish if they do their best and have the drive and passion for something. Last summer I received Longbow, which is the third level of promotion for my age group. Also, it is important to note that during these promotional ceremonies, there is a great emphasis placed on celebrating the achievements of others just as much as one’s own, which builds a sense of community and support within the camp. As is clearly shown, camp teaches me, as well as other campers, to strive to be better, practice dedication skills and work-ethic, and celebrate the great accomplishments of others. Finally, along with these other justifications, camp influences me to become a better person, developing lifelong skills for the future. I learn so many new things at camp, that I find useful now, and I am positive they will continue to be valuable throughout my life. At camp, I have learned to try new things, take risks, and live on my own away from my parents for weeks at a time (although I do miss them). I learn and master skills as well. I'm also glad I get to meet amazing counselors and campers from all over the world, and bond and develop spectacular relationships with these other girls my age. It is a blast to spend time in nature and unplug from the technological world, which is hard to find in other locations. Coming home from camp, from what my parents have witnessed, I become a better version of myself in only a few weeks! In the end, however, the most significant reason why I love camp, and why it is camp is so important, is that it is just flat-out fun. The two weeks that I am at camp are the most enjoyable moments I've ever experienced. If you come and visit, you can hear the laughter of girls resonating and bouncing around and through the hills. At lunchtime, you will find campers standing on top of tables singing camp tunes. Throughout the day, you will find girls dancing to music you hear on the radio. The atmosphere of camp is strictly and exclusively at camp itself—and this kind of environment is impossible to find in other places! Overall, and to reiterate, I cannot explain the importance of camp in my life, as well as others.
The sensation of belonging to a camp community and developing relationships with others seems truly irreplaceable. Adam Boyd, the camp director at Merri-Mac, couldn't explain the spirit of camp better. He says, “We are made to live life together, and to do this in a community where we have the freedom to succeed, grow, discover what we are great at, and sometimes even fail. These are essential ingredients to a great camp” (Boyd). Camp enriches me in activities and helps me find what strikes my enthusiasm and passion. Along with rewarding me for my effort, it shows me important skills and their benefits. I feel that in the future, my camp experiences will be a special reference to look back on. As an opportunity I am grateful to run into, I appreciate and savor every minute of camp. The atmosphere and takeaways of camp are difficult to find in other destinations. I wouldn't want to spend my summer anywhere else than this second home. This place makes me happy, and I experience a summer full of adventure, fun, and growth; I have absolutely fallen in love with
it.