Sunday Snippet: Lessons in Friendship

There never seems to be a shortage of things to right about here at WeHaKee, and I know I could talk forever about the impact camp makes in the lives of the campers that attend. This week, and for the weeks to come on Sunday Snippet, we thought we would let some of the experts talk—the campers! These are the words of our Leadership Academy participates (more info here), that they shared with the camp at our Council Fires all summer.

This week we have two pieces from two long time campers who became fast and lasting friends. But their friendship was only the beginning. As you will read, this community came to mean a lot to them. We were so honored to have them as counselors in training this summer.

“When we were first asked to write these testimonies, I thought this would be so simple. But then I ran into a problem. How can I possibly describe a place that has given me a reason to smile even when I am away? How can I describe all the wonderful friendships I have made because of Camp WeHaKee? Next I tried to think of words to help me. First, I thought of the word amazing, but I also use that to describe mac & cheese. Then I thought “strength” which seems to work, because I have gained mental strength with all of that the values I have learned and applied. But I have also gained physical strength because of that one crazy hill by the trading post. The final word I thought of was “memories.” Two memories in particular came to mind… The first was coming to camp my very first year. I met a girl in my cabin, then for some reason suggested we become friends. She agreed. Then I had this brilliant idea that we should stay up the entire night and have a sleepover. But we fell asleep at 9:30. And even though we technically had sleepovers every night, we tried and failed to stay up every night. We are still friends to this day.

My second memory was last year when our cabin went on a trust walk, but our counselors were the ones blindfolded. We may have led them over some treacherous rocks and taken them over some rough terrain… and left them at some point, but it was still the best reflection ever.

Camp to me is amazing, strengthening, and you will make so many memories here. From smiles to tears, from giggles to rolling on the floor laughing, it has been the best. Thank you for making my camp experience so memorable!”

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“This is my 9th year coming to camp. I was very young when I started coming to camp, and I was very nervous about having to make new friends. The first friend I made at camp was a girl in my cabin, and we’re still in the same cabin today. Throughout the years I have made other friends too, and coming back always meant seeing them again and having fun. However, once camp came to a close, and I had to go back home, I knew I’d have to make other friends as well. I remembered how my cabin mates would tell me I was funny or nice so I thought if I showed those traits to others, maybe they’d like me.

Camp taught me how to treat others and how to make friendships last a lifetime. They taught me skills for cooperation to help my community, and I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to attend this camp for so long. So remember, what you learn here isn’t just for camp, it’s for the rest of your life. “

 This friendship and many more were fostered this summer at WeHaKee. We hope for a meaningful relationships for each and every camper. Stay tuned to Sunday Snippet for more camper testimonials!

See you at camp!