Camp Values

The best thing about weekends at camp is Sunday Camp Values. It may sound very 'hippie-dippie' to people who haven't experienced it, but it's basically a time where we can all chill out and reflect (and after a week of running around daft, it's exactly what you need). We have a little spot on camp called Sherwood Forrest where we all meet and sit for an hour or two while people have the opportunity to sing songs (usually accompanied by the ukelele or guitar) or read poems - very campeqsque.

My last Camp Values Journal Entry of 2017.
My 2016 Cabin wrote a poem for me and Jas & it was the best
feeling in the world. (me and hayley had spent 3 days apart)

A lot of the poems read are the same each week, but none of us mind, because we love the buzz of inspiration we feel each and every time we hear them. Poems have such a stigma of being boring, but the ones we read are entirely the opposite. They are empowering, inspirational and promote self worth. Its amazing hearing someone put your feelings into words in a way you couldn't before.

I think this aspect of setting aside time to reflect and be grateful for those around you, and the life you were given, is really important. It can promote a great deal of self love and happiness if given the time.

My favourite poem thats often read is called The Dash. From the first moment I heard it, it struck a chord, and ever since I've been unable to get it out of my head (I literally typed this straight from memory). I hope it impacts you in every way it impacted me the first time I heard it.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend,

He referred to the dates on the toombstone from beginning to end;

He noted that first came the date of birth, and spoke the following date with tears, 

But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. 

For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth,

and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. 

For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live, and love, and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard, 

are there things you'd like to change? 

for you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. 

If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real,

and always try to understand the way other people feel

and be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more, 

and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. 

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile;

remembering that this special dash might only last a while.

So when your eulogy is being read with your life actions to rehash -

Would you be proud of the things they say of how you spent your dash?

Impact

I don't think a single person who has been to camp, can say that they left as the same person they were when they first arrived. 2016 pre-camp Christy is nothing like the person I am today; and I think that's because, as a result of Burgess and Hayward, I actually know who I am. 

After my first week at camp, it was hard to believe I had ever lived anywhere else. It's easy to get caught up in the 'camp bubble' - you become so close with people in such a short period of time - it sounds cheesy, but it really feels like you've known them forever. Staff training was easily one of the best weeks of my life and it taught me more about myself than I'd ever thought possible.

During this week, each year, our Executive Director Bruce does a highly anticipated philosophy talk. He talks to us about our impact and inspires us to make a difference, to make the most out of life and to 'follow our bliss'. I really wish his talks could be televised for everyone to see, because I honestly believe that if everyone shared a little piece of Bruce's outlook, we'd live in a much kinder world. By the end of the talk everyone is crying and hugging, and you can literally feel the love in the room. 

... and to me, that's what camp is: love. Pure, unapologetic, unconditional love - for each other, for our jobs, for the moments we share and for ourselves.  

Imagine living in an environment...

- where you're surrounded by positive, creative, energetic, genuine people 24/7,
- where everyone builds each other up, and motivates one another,  
- where people actually want to get to know you,
- where everyone has your best interest,
- where people selflessly go out of their way to make your day a little brighter,
- where everyone shares a 'live life to the fullest' ideal;
- a place full of those people who describe every activity as an 'adventure'.
- a place that encourages you to embrace your weirdness and individuality,
- a place where you can literally look your worst but still feel entirely beautiful, loved and accepted,
- where you are built up for who you are on the inside,
- where CROCS, STAR GAZING AND COUNTRY MUSIC ARE NOT ONLY ACCEPTED BUT ENCOURAGED

..and tell me you're not going to grow into a better, more wholesome, person. 




And no, I'm not saying camp people are perfect, or that we're always happy, but its the intention and fact that we make a conscious decision to try and be the best versions of ourselves, that makes me proud. 

 Because of camp, and my BH family, I am now unapologetically myself. I am positive and extremely self aware; I know my strengths; I try, each and every day, to be kinder and more thoughtful; I believe in myself and in achieving my dreams; I'm confident enough to say I have dreams; I work to better myself and to do what makes me happy; I am confident, motivated, empowered and.. well, currently frustrated... because I know that no matter what I write in this blog, it will never be enough to fully capture the impact camp has had on me. It will never express how alive it makes me feel; how much it inspires me every day or how full my heart feels when it's time to say good bye each year. 


I know many people will read this blog post and think 'that's embarrassing' and that's fine. 2016 me would have probably thought the same, but that's the difference. I am comfortable enough in myself to express my feelings without caring what other people think. 

'Those that matter don't mind, and those that mind don't matter' so be yourself, do what makes you happy and follow your bliss.