The great thing about life is that it presents you with different phases (a nice way of talking about aging!) that allow for different experiences, different challenges, and different opportunities. I find it hard to believe this is summer number 40 for me. As we start each new summer, I keep thinking we might have a “normal” summer, but how does one define normal? Every year, I get to learn something new. The good news is that my accumulated wisdom of the past 40 years allows me to take the new in stride and help my team work through different situations and scenarios.
We had a camp mom who departed today after spending two weeks working for us in the camp office. It is always nice to have a camp mom who has had several years of experience as a camp parent, and this one has 8 summers under her belt. When you become a camp mom, you see behind the curtain of the magic of camp where the decisions are made. I really appreciate her parting words today that “…it was such an honor to see what hard work you all put into this ‘home away from home.’ I can fully understand the love and memories my girls cherish from this first hand experience.”
For 40 years, Keystone has been my identity, my reputation, and so many times, my priority in my existence…and my children often remind me of that. My realization of late is that Keystone has developed a life of its own. I am not alone in this endeavor. I am incredibly fortunate to have an amazing leadership team working to provide a great experience for our campers in Jazz, Jessica, Izzy, Eleanor, Stacey, and Catherine.
Our program has grown so much. We have remained responsive to our times in adding new activities and offerings. We have worked to rebuild and update our facilities. We have extended our reach across the country and across the world. It is such a source of pride to pull together a community of girls and women from different states, countries, and cultures. Our traditions link our past and our present. Our alums are active as current camp parents. I don’t have to do it all.
Just as you as parents must allow your children to grow up and become their own distinct self, this is where I find myself with camp. All of us who make up Keystone Camp bring our full selves to our jobs. As I approach my 61st birthday in August, I am slowing down. I knew I had changed when my daughter, Catherine, came up to me in the dining hall last week and said, “The singing, the noise, the energy. I just love camp.” I had just been thinking about how noisy it was and if it would be okay if I ate in my office.
I love Keystone and the opportunities to see girls benefit from their experiences here. I come down the hill each day into camp to be greeted by the happy noise of camp and the smiles of the campers. I am present to observe my team working together and working hard to give our campers the very best they are capable of providing. I add my wisdom when needed, but I know that camp has grown into its own self. I am lucky to be able to share the ride.
