Counselor's Page

Returning Counselors

What keeps me coming back to Camp...

Alyssa Jensen

The first time I set foot outside of my car and onto Camp Sunshine's soil, an anxious and restless feeling took over inside of me. I was nervous and completely unsure of what to expect. Not only was this my first time working at a camp, but it was my first time being surrounded by this type of diverse population. It only took the first 30 minutes of the camper's arrival for me to truly be won by their spirit. That was 6 years ago and I am still coming back!

As the campers proceed into camp on opening day, their smiles bring in the sunshine and their contagious love spreads to everyone. The atmosphere Camp Sunshine creates is unexplainable in the sense that you will never be so drawn and inspired by a single person in your entire life as you are by your camper. When I think of what camp has done for me I think of the beautiful gift the campers have given me that I will hold forever in my mind and heart. Building a connection and a friendship with a person who cherishes every second of his life that God has given him has inspired me to appreciate every moment I have been given.

Last summer at camp we had a theme that we focused on, "One love, One Family." I had the pleasure to be the counselor of a pretty important person here at Camp Sunshine named Sherman. This was something new to me being that I have never had a male camper before and I was nervous I wouldn't build the same connection that I usually do with a female camper. Sherman proved me wrong. Everyday I would go to his cabin to wake him up for breakfast except Sherman was always awake way before I had even got there. I could tell the big smile on his face that he was thinking "Finally my counselor is here! I am ready to get this show on the road!" After Sherman completed his morning routine of hair slicking, face shaving and stylish dressing, we were off to breakfast! Together we sat among other camper-counselor pairs enjoying the dining hall's noisy yet contagious, eager driven conversations. Everyone was excited to start this first amazing day at camp. After breakfast we all moved out onto the deck overlooking the lake for morning songs and lessons with Doc. This was the time when the campers really come out of their shell through dancing, singing and acting out skits. It is also the moment I new Sherman and I would build a great connection in the next couple of days. We sang and danced together like we had known each other forever. After the activities on the deck, we split up into two groups and one went to arts and crafts and the other went to the big top for a special activity.

Sherman and I went to the big top and saw that there were people in Native American dress. Before even meeting Sherman, there were numerous people who had told me the Diva that he was. I didn’t understand until the Native American performers had us up and dancing around camp. Sherman, with one hand flailing in the air and shaking his hips back and forth moved swiftly around camp. I couldn't keep a smile off my face. I knew right then why he was so well known and it was because he was a Camp Sunshine celebrity! After our experience with the Native American performers we moved to the arts and crafts room. Here we made family trees and did various activities. In arts and crafts, the camper's independence as well as the dependence on one another really shows. Sherman wanted to show me everything he could do on his own, but when he needed help his eyes met mine and a little tap on the shoulder came soon after. I knew this was his special way in telling me. When arts and crafts were over, we went back up to the dining hall for lunch and then some more singing on the deck. When that was finished it was rest time and also a time for me to reflect on the amazing day I have already had and it was only halfway over. I took Sherman to his cabin and the other male counselors reassured me he would be looked after. It was nice knowing my fellow counselors were always willing to help. After rest time Sherman and I went swimming in the camp pool. It was a time to relax as well as for play. After a few hours of free time we proceeded up to the dining hall for dinner and again some more singing on the deck. Doc lead devotions with us all and we reflected on the day together as the sun set over the lake. Sherman and I walked back to his cabin to get ready for bed. I tucked him in and as we said goodnight he reached over and squeezed my hand. I smiled back and told him I would be back right away in the morning so we could start another amazing day.

Franz P Shubert once said, "Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." Camp Sunshine has done just that for me every year I return. Sherman gave me a gift last year and I know someone very special will be honoring me with their happiness and love of life next year. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the amazing moments that I have had at Camp Sunshine.