Simple Freedoms

The summer of 1993 will always hold a special place in my heart.

The air was filled with childhood promise as we drove the curvy mountain roads that led through the Sierra Nevada mountains. It was my very first time at sleep-away summer camp and I was eager to meet new friends and try new things.

But I wasn’t prepared to meet HIM.

The first time I saw him, I knew he was special. Those blue-grey eyes, light brown hair, and shy smile that made me curious to know his story.

That summer, we learned to swing dance, sang about Jesus, tried waterskiing for the first time, and ate the worst camp food ever (truly, it was terrible).

Leaving Camp Silver Lake was filled with tearful goodbyes as “see you next summer!” echoed across the redwoods. Snail mail addresses were exchanged and too-tight hugs that held on to forever-made-memories lingered as we pulled out of camp in our Plymouth Voyager minivan.

I continued going to summer camp for the next decade, and so did HE. The quiet and kind boy I met grew into an even cuter teenager and a full-blown crush developed! When we weren’t playing volleyball together before evening campfire, you could catch me doodling his name (and OUR names) on my notebook during Christian Living classes.

As a naturally outgoing and friendly person, my energy won him over and we became close friends - even best friends - by the time we were in high school. Although we lived three hours apart, he took me to his Sophomore year Homecoming dance and I invited him to my Junior Prom.

He was my first crush and my first kiss (but not at summer camp because I wasn’t that camper!)

We hiked Half Dome in Yosemite and went on a 30-mile overnight backpacking trip through the Grand Tetons.

As we grew into young adulthood, our paths parted when he attended UC Davis to study Psychology and run track and I went south to UCLA to pursue my passion for Broadcast Journalism.

But no matter what, we still had summer camp. All the years, and all the memories.

We both continued to volunteer as camp counselors in various programs around the country - but never in the same location at the same time. Our years of going to camp together seemed to have ended. But something else had started…even if it took another decade to mature!

If you would have told my 15-year-old self that I would one day marry the cutest boy at summer camp, she would have either looked at you in utter disbelief or given you the BIGGEST HIGH FIVE.

Now, 13 years into marriage to my best friend and childhood camp buddy, I am reflecting on these precious memories because they represent the kind of freedom that only comes before life gets hard. The sweet moments where you can swim in a freezing lake and not care or sit around a campfire with a guitar and sing for hours.

Summer camp captures childhood at it’s best and I wish I could bottle it up so I could hold on to it my entire life. But life is made for living and creating even more memories!

Our oldest son, Caleb, turned 10 last week, and it was his turn to head off to camp. A new generation embracing the freedom, adventure, and joy of summer camp! And I had my own adventure when the Camp Director asked if I could serve as the Lead Counselor for the 10-year-old girl dorm. I spent the last week supervising and encouraging 14 pre-teen girls, watching them try hard things and experience all that camp so willingly offers.

From zip lining over a creek to scoring a home run in kickball (twice!), I fully embraced all that camp so graciously gave, soaking it in like summer tan lines that leave memorable marks of good times. And I even picked up a bow and arrow again and learned, I still am right on target!

Being back at camp reminded me of an essential lesson I will always carry with me: You can find freedom when you choose to explore, engage, and embrace the challenges to change.

Some of the best things start at summer camp. But they don’t end there.

Now I want to hear YOUR summer camp stories! Have you been to summer camp as a camper or served as staff at one? Share more with me in the comments below!

“See you next summer!”