Make abit longer
For the first time in my life, I was leaving home for a week to attend the Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp at Aspendale Mountain Retreat in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. I was only 13 years old at the time, but I could feel the excitement in the air. The camp was massive, surrounded by pine trees, and I was assigned a cabin for the week. I wished there was a swimming pool on the property, but there was a rope course, and that was just as exciting. Every evening there was a worship ceremony around the campfire, and during the day, we had different activities. In the morning, we would have a morning watch, followed by breakfast, morning worship, and then more activities before lunch and a rest hour. In the afternoon, we had more activities until dinner, and then the Village of the Day would plan the evening's entertainment.
During camp, I was called "Sarge" because I loved to wear a battle dress uniform, and "Tambourine Man" because I chose the tambourine as my musical instrument. What I loved most about camp was the freedom to do anything as long as the village approved. I even created a puppet called "Foxy" and used it for ventriloquism during the talent show.
However, there was one day that wasn't pleasant. During breakfast, another group's mascot was stolen, and they had to sing a song to get it back. When it wasn't returned, I offered to help find it but was accused of taking it. As the day progressed, I had a pounding headache and was emotionally affected. When someone accused me again, I lost my temper and stormed off, crying. Later, I found out that the staff had taken the mascot as a prank, and they hadn't considered other campers being blamed. They apologized, and the incident was resolved. Now that I am 18, I have been offered a job as a counsellor myself, By the guy who was my counsellor back 5 years ago.
Looking back, that week at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp was a turning point in my life. It was the first time I had been away from home for an extended period, and it allowed me to make connections and develop my independence. The experience also taught me a lot about myself, including my love for performing and my desire to help others.
I have attended the camp every summer since then, usually as a counsellor for younger kids. Each year, I am reminded of the excitement and joy that I felt as a camper, and it motivates me to create similar experiences for the next generation. I have learned so much from the dedicated and passionate staff at the camp, and I hope to show the same level of care and inspiration to my own campers in the future.
In many ways, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp feels like a second home to me. It is a place where I feel accepted and supported, where I can grow and challenge myself, and where I have made lasting friendships. As I prepare to return this summer, I am filled with anticipation and gratitude for the journey that began five years ago.