Blog Series – Letter to My Camper Self
Dear 7 Year Old Mary Kathryn,
You’re about to enter a world full of wonder, growth and opportunity that will become a pillar of your person. A place where you will only spend a few weeks each summer but will slowly become a safe haven for you to be yourself and feel comfortable to try new things. A place where you’ll find mentors, friends and people who believe in you. This place, Gwynn Valley Camp, will help you follow your direction in life and motivate you to become a better person to others and the earth. The four core values of Gwynn Valley– acceptance, appreciation for the natural world, simplicity and a non-competitive environment– will be instrumental in navigating many facets and challenges of life.
The natural world will become a place of connection for you at camp. A place to commune in nature with new cabin mates chasing fireflies at Pioneer 1 by night and learning about critters and creatures in the Cabin in the Sky by day. You’ll expand your palate in the Dining Hall eating too many ears of corn and seeing the life cycle of kernels at the Mill. Nature also holds a place of growth opportunities, like backpacking 20 miles through Pisgah Forest. This will put you out of your comfort zone but you will feel exhilaration, delight and a sense of accomplishment school or sports does not provide. You have an affinity for water, spending lots of time at the Lake, hiking to Connestee and tubing (you forgot your water shoes that one time but your counselors will skip with you back to Mountain View to change them). Make sure you wear your sunscreen!
You’ll take joy in collaborating with others rather than competing with them. When it comes to mountain biking or horseback riding, focus on having fun with others and not competing against yourself. Challenge yourself by choice. Camp is a place where you will try new things and enjoy doing something you might not be good at, which is all a part of discovering who you are. Be kind to yourself as you utilize precision and patience learning how to rock climb, moving slowly to the top of the Rock. Remember to enjoy the view at the top! Soak in the gratitude of hard work paid off and fear of heights squashed. You’ll walk away more resilient and confident from these experiences.
Over time, from camper to staff member, you’ll learn the power of acceptance. Connecting with people all over the country and world, inclusivity will teem from all corners of camp. Accepting help from others will be a big lesson you learn, from sweeping with a cabin mate while one holds a dust pan to finding your voice asking for clarification on paddle strokes. You are nurtured by creative and driven staff all around camp that will embolden you to be hard working and compassionate as an SIT. All while you find the natural balance of staying safe, getting the job done and creating fun for children.
At its core, your time at Gwynn Valley will be the peak simplicity of childhood wonder. The grounded way of life at camp allows you space to slow down and be present with the simple joys of play and growth. As a student of life, this place is your greatest teacher yet!
Hugs, Mary Kathryn
