Summer camps mean many things to many people. For some, camps are an outlet. Others see it as an uncomfortable reminder of their childhood, and some just see them as fun.

Owen Borelli, ‘18, is one of those who sees camp as fun. Over the summer, he’s going to a camp called the YMCA for a chance to, “learn about the outdoors, play games, and have stations like archery and the rock wall,” said Borelli.

Borelli enjoys camps because, “I get to hang out with many fun people and get to help kids grow. It’s a place where you can just forget about the surrounding world and just have a good time.” So not only is a summer camp a place to have fun for Borelli, it’s also a way to “forget” about problems, difficulties, or stress in general.

“Being able to get away from home and also meet many new friends.is always good,” says Rebecca Meissen, ‘18, who goes to a camp called Frogwarts. This is a place of wizardry and fun, causing anyone to bring out their inner kid. This break from the ordinary makes for a very tranquil and incredible experience, no matter what camp is attended.

Another way to look at camps is a way to gain new talents. Cathleen Breslin, ‘20, goes to an over-summer camp called, “CPYB Summer Intensive”. This is a camp where talented artists dance, and not much else.

Breslin says her favorite part to this camp is, “is being surrounded by people who all love what we do and inspire each other to be better.” So while this camp can be intense, it can also be inspiring, especially to those who enjoy the art of dance.

One more point to a summer camp is, “to give kids something to look forward to in the summer besides just sitting home and doing nothing,” said Borelli. “They also allow kids to advance in their social skills and outdoor abilities. Camps are places where people can just be themselves and not get judged.”

This change of pace and freedom from judgement is also a very important part to camps. Many young people worry about what they say, what they wear, or what they do, but in camp they can be just themselves. They don’t have to worry about people judging them or their appearance because they all came to the camp for the same reason: to have fun.