Hey, Camp Fans!
The ‘Share Your Camp Story’ Contest is in full swing for this year. We’ve been announcing our seven lucky winners and sharing their stories right here on the Blog. Everyone who submitted receives a $15 gift certificate and seven lucky winners receive larger prizes of $25, $50, and the grand prize of $100. Today and tomorrow, we’re announcing our two winners of the $50 gift certificates! Today’s winner is….
Catherine D.!
Congratulations, Catherine! You’re our second $50 prize winner! Catherine just shared one moment of camp, but it was such a big moment! Check it out in her entry about her stay at Gold Arrow Camp:
“This year I completed my 2nd year at Gold Arrow Camp, my home away from home. I absolutely love camp, from the amazing friends I make that I know I will have for my entire life, to the delicious food, to the adrenaline and pride I obtain after conquering my fears. One of my favorite activities that I participated in this year at camp was also one of the scariest for me. When I woke up one sunny morning and read the a
ctivities board for the day, I felt my stomach drop in anticipation. My cabin was scheduled for canyoneering, the activity in which one rappelled down a waterfall. I was terrified of heights, and was dreading this activity. After packing lunches for the day, we hiked around 2 miles to the great waterfall. My butterflies returned after seeing the colossal waterfall for the first time! After strapping on our harnesses and helmets, my cabin climbed boulder after boulder to reach the summit of the waterfall. A few of my friends rappelled down the waterfall all too quickly, and I realized with dread that it was my turn. I felt feverish, and realized that I was slightly shaking. I peered down over the cliff, and noticed how far up I was. Should I take this risk to conquer my fear? After much deliberation I decided that I would. With all of my friends cheering me on, I slowly walked to the edge of the cliff dragging my feet in the dust behind me. I then closed my eyes, and jumped. When I finally managed to open my eyes during the descent, I realized how incredibly beautiful the waterfall was. I let the spray of the water brush my fingertips, and felt completely, utterly happy. Now, looking back on this experience, I was so glad that I had my friends and counselors to help support me because without them, I might never had conquered my fear. I felt so immensely proud of myself for not letting my fears control my experience at camp, and now am so excited to return to camp next year so that I can try this activity again!”
Thanks again for your submission, Catherine! What a great illustration you created of this triumphant moment at camp! For anyone else interested in Gold Arrow Camp, you can check it out right here. And, as always, thanks for reading!
- John