For twenty summers I spent at least one week at Camp Canonicus. Ten years as a camper and another ten on staff. The very first time I went to Canonicus at the age of eight I knew that I wanted to be a counselor there, and sure enough the summer I graduated high school I was moving into a cabin for the next nine weeks. Over the ten years I was on staff, I held many different jobs, the last few years my official title should have been Swiss Army Knife. Each summer held its own challenges, whether they were personal or one that the entire staff had to work through. I believe that the twenty years I spent at this place made me the person that I am today.
So when do you know when it is time to step away from a place that has been home for so long? Is it when you realize you are there because you had no other options? Or when you know that it is just time to let others take care of the place you hold closest to your heart. This summer was my summer to take a break, how did I know I made the right decision? I visited the staff during their training week and saw that all but four members of staff I had as campers. Seeing that not only made me feel old but I also felt happy knowing that Canonicus was left in the hands of former campers who understand what the camp provides and allows its campers and staff to grow into beautiful humans. The staff all hold this wonderful chance to help shape and inspire the next generation of campers to be their best selves. I hope that is the sort of counselor I was to these new counselors.
PaperDaisyGirl 