“Why do you go to camp?” For the last nine summers this is always the question I am asked. When I was in middle school and high school it was always, “don’t you want to see your friends?” and now in college it’s always, “why don’t you get a real job?” or “don’t you want to spend time with your home friends?” The truth is, I have incredible friends here and this is a job I love. My answer to people is always, “I love it there” or “it’s my second home” or “I can’t imagine a summer without it”. But my true feelings about camp go way beyond a 2-sentence explanation.

I go to camp because it is a place where I learned to love myself, strengthen my identity and embrace my Jewish identity. When I first came to camp in sixth grade, I was the girl who was way too tall for her age, wore backwards hats and tomboy clothes. That summer, I learned to come out of my shell. I tried make up for the first time, made everlasting friendships, and learned to be the best version of myself I could be. I couldn’t tell you specifically what made me love my first summer…maybe it was my counselors, maybe it was Shabbat or maybe it was just being away from home for a month, but clearly whatever it was, it kept me coming back for more.

At home, I don’t have many Jewish friends; in fact I only have two. Before I came to camp I didn’t care about being Jewish. I was simply Jewish because my parents told me I was. At camp my first summer and all the summers following, I continued and still continue to strengthen my Jewish identity, not because I’m forced to but because I want to. I have learned that being Jewish is unique and fun and different. Because of Crane Lake I can honestly say I am proud to be Jewish.

As a camper, coming back to CLC was never a question; but as a staff member, it’s always a much more difficult decision. Of course I want to be at camp, but are there other things I should be doing? Then I think…no. There is no place I’d rather be other than here.

When I was a camper it was the counselors that made camp, and now as a counselor it’s the campers that make camp so special. Where else other than camp can you walk into a bunk after a long day and just be bombarded with hugs? The answer is nowhere. At college, when I get back from a tiring day of classes and work (which is practically everyday) my roommates don’t give me a hug…that would be strange. When I walk into class not completely with it, the professor doesn’t give me a hug…that would be really strange. But coming back to a bunk full of energetic, laughing children that love you is the best feeling.

So I guess the answer as to why I come back to camp now, as a staff member, is because of the campers. Being a counselor is hands down the most rewarding experience. I want to give my campers the same amazing camp experience as my counselors gave me. Not only do I come back for the campers, but also for myself. There is not a day that goes by I don’t talk about camp or talk about camp friends because that would be impossible. Crane Lake is a part of me and it will remain that way forever.

By Lindsey Blackman, Communications Specialist