Camp Starlight…week one
In just about 12 hours the first bus load of campers is going to roll through the gates of Camp Starlight. I sit here in the photography office of camp looking at photographs I took during this past week, and I’m full of nervous excitement. The kind of energy you feel the night before a birthday and you know sleep is no where close. I’ve been here for a full 8 days for staff orientation; learning, growing and taking it all in. There are 300 staff here at camp between counselors, support staff, maintenance. It’s amazing. The staff is from all over the world. I’ve met wonderful people who I already care deeply for. People that quickly are becoming my family at this new home away from home.
But tomorrow is when the real fun begins. When I capture that first smiling face getting off the bus, it’s going to take everything I have not to cry happy tears. And when I capture my own kids’ expressions getting off the bus and seeing all that is Camp Starlight for the first time. Forget it…let the waterworks begin. I get emotional just thinking about it. Tomorrow is the culmination of all I’ve been waiting and planning for for the last 7 months. Heck, for the last two years, when I first had the idea of working at a summer camp. With each day I’ve been here, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that Camp Starlight is going to blow my kids’ minds. It continues to blow my mind. They have no idea what they’re in for and that just escalates my excitement. Excitement for them and for me. Even for campers who come summer after summer, I know that each summer at Starlight is a new experience. This week I’ve heard stories from staff members who are back year after year. Staff who’s own children grew up running around camp as babies and are now Upper Seniors. Each summer is full of new surprises, friendships and adventure. But more than that, what brings campers and staff back year after year is the sense of family. I’ve been here 8 days and I know it; I feel it. The love and support I’ve received this week is incredible and overwhelming in the most wonderful way.
Camp photographer days will be long and it won’t always be easy, but when I fall asleep with a smile on my face and a full heart, I know it will all be worth it.
