Summer 2004 was the first summer I spent at Manitou. It was also the first time I had ever been to Canada, the first time I had been to a two month sleep away camp and the first time I had been "the new kid" and the very first time I never wanted to go home. I could have only hoped that Camp Manitou would be bearable but what I was so incredibly thankful and surprised to find was that Manitou exceeded my highest expectations…I immediately found friends in the drama program and within my cabin but it really took guidance from my two wonderful counselors, Laura and Hayley, to get me through my first week. After finally settling in, I realized that I had two months of the most amazing activities, challenges and friendships ahead of me.

By the end of first session…I had more fun (with the play) than any other play I had done. I had also gone on a three day canoe trip with my cabin that was both challenging and memorable. I made more friends than I could count and was opened up to a range of diversity, culture, role models and admirers. To end my first session at camp I celebrated by 15th birthday on July 17th, Visitors Day. My dad flew up from San Francisco and although he came with a duffle bag full of new soaps and sweatpants I was proud to give him the best gift of all- an incredibly revived daughter who was for the first time in years completely content, relaxed, adventurous and in high spirits.

The first month of camp came to an end all too quickly but the second month promised to be filled with more new faces and leadership roles that really made my summer a life changing experience. The friends I made during the first session became closer to me and the new campers showed nothing but fresh enthusiasm that gave camp a new twist. I continued doing theatre and concentrated the majority of the rest of my time to yoga and exercise. One of highlights of second session was the short visit of Zodiac Day Camp.

I signed up to be a senior leader mostly because my whole cabin was doing it, realistically I had little excitement to be surrounded by little kids whom I had never met before. To be honest, those few days with my 6 and 7 year olds showed me a whole world of what it is like to be looked up to and what it is like to be responsible for more than myself. I loved being with my kids, telling stories to them at night, holding their hands and making them feel at home. I hope to see some of them this summer as Manitou Freshkids. After my Senior Leadership Experience I was more inclined to be a leader and cheer my peers on ….

The end of camp was steadily approaching and before I knew it the much anticipated World Games 2004 had come. I remember vividly the night of opening ceremonies… I never thought to the possibility that through my efforts to become a leader throughout the summer I may actually be recognized as one. I was chosen for Senior Camper Captain of Barbados…Thank you Manitou for a life changing summer and for a new family that I will never forget as well as a new me.

Trina age 15. Written October 2004