11 Years & Counting... :)

So what does camp MEAN to me? It’s the one place that I could truly be my asain self & feel comfortable & confident in my own skin, really let go and have fun, to make life long friends, learn more about my culture & heritage, grow as an individual & leader, and to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Whether you’ve only gone to CYC for one year or ten, you know the impact it has on people’s lives. The friends you make at camp are fOrEvEr. I still bump into people that went to camp and even though we weren’t in the same group or even spoke much to each other at camp, we have an instant connection and bond because we both attended CYC.

THIS YEAR, I was asked to be an advisor and at first I reluctantly agreed. I didn’t want to go back because I had heard how much camp has changed, how little groups we had, and how bad the kids are these days. I was apprehensive and I asked myself often why I was going to go back after all these years. BUT the time came and I couldn’t back out so I was going to CYC for the first time in a decade! Meeting the counselors and ACs at training gave me a sigh of relief. I was impressed with their enthusiasm and confidence. As the week of camp drew closer, that old giddy feeling came back even though I still wasn’t sure of what the campers would be like. After being at camp, I could not have been more wrong. All the campers were sweet, respectful, and loved being at camp. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the spirit of CYC was still alive and well. wooHOO!!!

SooOOo… I told myself I wouldn’t cry at camp… ha! – that didn’t happen. As soon as the last day came, it hit me that another year was over and seeing my campers and friends cry was all it took. You see, I have made closer friends here at a week long camp than with people I have known outside of camp for years. CYC will always have a special place in my heart.

My hope and dream is for CYC to continue on so that others may experience the joy, learning, growing, and love that I have in these past numerous years. May the campers aspire to be ACs, the ACs to be Counselors, and the Counselors to be Advisors and continue the circle of CYC. The legacy of CYC must live on and it is our responsibility to make sure that it continues for many more years to come. To all of the past, present, and future CYCers – CHEERS and much much LOVE!!! ~ till the next amazing year we Da Ji He… ♥ jen ma :)