# 2 Make New Friends
By Jeanette Biesecker
Director of Ministry Advancement
Read Jeanette’s bio here.
One of the coolest parts of summer camp for me as a kid was the opportunity to get to know other campers for the first time. Growing up, there weren’t many homes in my neighborhood and none of them had girls my age, so even though the school year was filled with relationships with classmates, summers could sometimes be lonely. Going away to a week of camp was an opportunity to find and make new friends.
In the camp environment, friendships were forged faster because campers lived together 24/7 for six days. Plus, being in a small cabin group, made it all that more easy to connect on a deeper level with others in the same group. As an introverted child, camp was an ideal environment for me—small group, tight community, and opportunity to step outside of the stereotypes and labels I felt restricted by at home. No one at camp knew I was the “shy” child or the “serious” child. At camp, I was free to be whoever I wanted to be in the moment. At camp, I could be the “friendly one” or the “adventurous one” and it was accepted.
It was always hard at the end of those weeks to go home. None of us ever wanted to leave. We all promised one another we would write (though we all knew some of us wouldn’t) and we promised to come back next year so we would be together again (though we knew some would not). Even so, those temporary friendships made a difference. They were affirming. They were memorable and special. And, those types of friendships still happen at camps today. This time, though, I get to see other children experience them and in seeing, I remember my own “new friends” and smile and remember.
It is easy to register children for a week of summer camp than can change their life. Financial assistance is available based upon need and availability. You may register on-line, or call 717-369-4539. Learn about Summer Camp.
