When I was nine years old I belonged to the local YMCA, where I went weekly with school mates to swim and play basketball. I liked going to the YMCA, and I made many friends there. Around Christmas time the YMCA held its annual Christmas card drive. To reward the kids for their efforts, if you sold so many boxes, you got to go to the YMCA's Camp Ernst the following summer. Needless to say, I sold my quota, and I was on my way to camp.
I remember the excitement as mom and dad drove me there. I knew friends of mine were going too, but I had never been to camp, and I did not know what to expect. After meeting my camp counselor and getting my cabin assignment, my folks left and I was on my own to settle into camp. However, this didn't take very long, and I soon found myself getting into the swing of things.
For the next nine days, I went on all kinds of adventures, which included canoe outings, overnight campouts, nature walks, craft shops, baseball and basketball games, and making new friends. I loved the adventures and the friends that I shared them with that summer, and to this day I still cherish my trip to summer camp.
Summer camps are an opportunity for kids to learn, to make new friends, and to share new adventures. If you've ever thought about or wanted to send your kids to one, then don't hesitate, just do it! Give your kids a gift that they won't forget and will cherish for the rest of their lives. Send them to summer camp!
