Six Days, Five Nights
Six days, five nights.
On June 30, 2009 I left for the experience of my lifetime. “Ya, it’s totally fun...Go on it for sure… it’ll be way worth it!” were the responses I got when I asked around about Mason Leadership Camp, or “Tahoe”. As I showed up to the airport with only three friends from Fossil Ridge, I was greeted by bubbly, enthusiastic campers and counselors. At an “early” time in the morning I thought to myself, “What have I gotten myself into…?” By the time I reached the bus to head for the mountains, I realized just how many different people I was going to get to know throughout the week. Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Mississippi all had sent their Student Council delegates… “This must be some conference camp…"
We all got off the charter bus, being welcomed by a bright group of Junior and Adult Counselors that would be working at the camp. Soon to follow: registration, name tags, cabin assignments, etc. Coming back from putting away our stuff, I spent just about the most awkward 7 minutes playing games in the grass before heading in to our opening “General Session”. Welcome, rules (awesome), speech.
As we split into councils, I met some of the people that would make these six short days turn into the best week of my life. At my first interpretations of my group, I would have never guess that’d we grow so close, and come so far.
The week continued, activities became deeper, and more fun ensued. Silly Songs, Meals, Morning Sunrises, Council Times, Tranquilities, One-on-Ones, Cross the Line, Summits, Leadership Presentations, Service Project, JC Gifts, etc. I’m sure that makes no sense to many people, but for us that went – time spent during these activities made us all learn so much about ourselves and the people around us.
I learned things about myself that wouldn’t have surfaced for years, if ever. The Summits helped me in so many different areas, whether it was to be more creative, know my goals, be able to take help when I need it, know my “colors”, understand my image, or how to be on a team. Not only were the outstanding AC’s able to help me improve my habits and life, but our Junior Counselors related their experiences to everyday life. They challenged me to be young - be foolish, relight my flame, remember my experiences, and much more.
Not only was it a learning experience, but the people that I learned to love really made a difference in my life. I met people that made me rethink the way I go about my life, whether it’s in leadership or every other aspect of life. I soon learned that no matter what happens, there’s always something worse that could happen.
Six days is a long time to make special experiences… a lot of funny ones. “Jongs, Buffalo, is that a barrier or goal, Jompany, Shake It, breaking benches, 4:30 hikes, squeaky beds, throwing branches, tree house destruction, 3 AM viewing of Staff Outing, our Missing Piece, East stereotypes (omg daddy), sugar roulette” and a lot more. I’m pretty sure I haven’t laughed that much in a long time.
I never assumed that what seemed like it would be six very long days, would turn into such a short time to spend with people. After a night of no sleep, staying up writing “Magic Notes”, the morning after was tough. Saying goodbye to so many people that had made an impact on my life was pretty sad… But all good things eventually come to an end. Things that I learned this past week will be kept with me throughout my life, not to mention the memories of everyone I met. Thank you for the most memorable and life changing week of my… well, life.
