YMCA of Metropolitan Washington D.C.

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Camp Letts, unlike most camps I have gone to, stood out from all the others, as more then just another summer activity, it was a challenge. I started going to Camp Letts when I was 13 years old and I had never been away from home for more then a week before-a little scary! But my counselor Kayla was 100% there for me. I was in awe of her & became her shadow. Flash to my first years of high school, I was trying to find out who I was, leading me to feel a little overwhelmed. Kay was there again, encouraging me and just listening.  I began to realize that I wanted to do what Kayla did; with my head held high, and confidence by my side I decided to train to be a counselor. I just want to make another kid feel just as amazing as she made me feel. 

 

            Me, along with 9 others, worked very hard together for two weeks straight.  We slept, ate, and did everything together-learning how to work together as a team, and how to handle difficult situations (with campers). Camp Letts taught us the fundamentals of how to be a great role model for all kids.  We had many interactions with the campers, where we got to hangout, play games, and just really get to know them. My favorite project was rebuilding the “Peanut Butter Pit”; a deep pit of mud, with a swinging rope in the center.  Easier written than done!  It took us four long, hot days to complete, and do you know how many shoes and shirts we found from the previous pit, that existed sometime in the early 1900’s? … Yeah A LOT! But the end result was hours of laughing, making the campers excited, and life-long memories.

 

 

        Now, as a college sophomore, I know Camp Letts has played a huge part of my life.  I have been going to camp since 2009 and still visit when I can.  Why do I keep

coming back? I keep coming back, because this place and the people in it mean the world to me. Sometimes our world wants us to act & be a certain way, and it's hard on a kid. At Camp, it's our world, and  I love to being there for campers when they need me-it is my greatest joy.  I love to be able to show them that camp is a place you can come to and be anything you want, without judgment.  These kids are the future, and I want to be that personal encouragement that they do not always get at home or at school.        

            Camp Letts will forever be in my heart. Because of this wonderful place I have learned how to grow up, physically, and mentally.  I have learned more about myself in four summers, then I have in four years high school.  I can never forget the friends I have made, and the kids who have touched my heart. 

 

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