by Suzette Belz, VP of Development and Major Gifts

It has been a year since I last wrote a Blog about Camp. So much has happened during this time. I have met lots of wonderful people along the way. I have met alums that no matter how long it has passed since they were last at Camp their memories of Camp still as fresh as ever. I see their eyes light up when they share their experiences with me. So many share the same bond, the same sentiment about camp being a home away from home. Many say that thanks to camp they are who they are today, how much their Counselors influenced them, how many friends they made along the way. Many have said Camp is magic.

I never had an opportunity to go to Camp myself but I am thrilled that my two girls have the opportunity to do so. My daughter Isabella (9) has been attending Lake Stockwell since last year. This week she is attending Matolly-her first overnight camp experience. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Stay tuned!

Isabella always tells me that is nothing boring about Camp, that Camp is the happiest place in the world. She even told me that she wants to grow up to be a Counselor and work at Camp – I hope I get to see that. She tells me all about her Counselors and how much she loves them – she even has shed tears when she has had to say bye to some of them. She tells me all about her friends and how much fun they have together.

My daughter Sofia (3) is attending Pre-School Camp and loving it. Sofia every night makes sure to ask me if the next day is going to be a Camp day – the excitement in her eyes when I tell her yes, tomorrow is a Camp day, is priceless. Every morning, she pushes me out of the door. All you can hear is her sweet little voice yelling across the house telling me “mommy I am ready to go to Camp, let’s go, I don’t want to be late.”

The best part of my day, is picking them up and witnessing the impact that Camp has on children through my own. They share with me all the fun stuff they both did all day, they even have taught me some of the famous camp songs – we have sang so loud sometimes in the car and at home. It has been fun.

I am lucky in so many ways. I found a wonderful place to work for and my kids get to experience all that Camp has to offer and more. Camp is a magical place after all.