My name is Miriam. I am 9 years old. I am going to Camp Dina this summer. This is the first time I am going to camp.
I would like to have a pleasant experience at camp. In order for me to have a great summer, it is important to remember the following:
- I will have to make new friends. It’s ok to get to know different girls. I might discover they’re from different states and even girls from my neighborhood whom I never met before.
- I might miss my parents. That’s ok. Most campers miss their parents at times. It will pass. It’s ok to cry sometimes. I can also distract myself with an activity.
- I might have bad stomachaches. I will go to the nurse and try to remember that it will pass eventually. If I’m in terrible pain, it’s ok to cry.
- I might not like the activities. That’s ok. I don’t have to like it; I just have to do it. I’ll just listen to authority.
- I might not like all my counselors. I can try to think that I’m lucky if I like at least some of my counselors. That’s the way I can make the best of it.
- I might not like all my bunkmates. Hopefully, I’ll make friends with some of them.
- I might not like all the food.
- I might be missing something I need.
- I might not feel comfortable being around every single girl in camp.
- I might get annoyed by some girls.
- Some girls might not be so kind.
- My body might not be so comfortable all the time.
All of these experiences are normal, especially the first time someone goes to summer camp. I’ll try to think about the fun times I’m having, especially in the moments that I’m missing my family or my home. When I think about the stuff I don’t love about camp, I can remind myself that kids come to camp mostly for fun and the camp spirit. There is no place in the world like summer camp!