Sharing the magic of Seafarer

Camp Seafarer has always been a special place for me. I've spent over 15 summers at this camp in North Carolina and as a result it is really my second home. It is a place where I feel complete, alive, safe, and challenged to be a better person. Camp and all of my experiences at camp have molded me to be the person I am today and the person I strive to be tomorrow. And really, for the past 15 years it has been my haven. The place that I escape. The place that is mine and as a result I am very cautious to share. Oh sure, I have invited friends and family to visit me at camp, I share with them the DVDs, pictures, and stories from camp. But going there and actually immersing oneself in the world that is camp, I have chosen (99% of the time) to do it alone.

But this past weekend marked a very cool experience for me. I was able to welcome my niece, Kira, my sister, my brother-in law, and my second niece, Grace into the seafarer family. Together, we dropped Kira off to experience camp for her self as a first session camper. I am thrilled that Kira is going to camp. I can think of nothing more positive and rewarding for her than this experience. Yet I am also a bit nervous as the camp session starts, because I want terribly for the camp magic to deliver on its promise and to shape her into the young girl that she can be. I want her to love camp as much as I do. I want camp to look out for her and take care of her and know just how special she is.

I think she will do just fine at camp. She will eat up the activities, the fun, and the independence that camp can bring. She will make new friends, learn about herself, and dig deep to keep a positive attitude and to try her best in everything she does.

I have to trust the magic and let camp do its thing. It worked on me and hundreds. . . thousands. . .of other girls. No, she may not be a life long camper like me, But then again, she could be.