To Our Readers
by Team D
   
As I sit here at my computer, staring at this blank photo journal template, I have writer's block. This is the first time this has happened to me all summer. Normally I have an exciting topic to talk about such as the latest talent show or a new activity, but here I am, sitting at my desk as the buses just pulled away, with no exciting event or activity; just the weird feeling knowing that another great summer at Campus Kids has just ended. As I walked around and saw the many crying faces, I couldn't help but just stop in my tracks, and observe all the people. Whether it was a camper or a counselor, a Freshman or a Duper, or a two-weeker as opposed to an eight-weeker, it was shown on everyone's faces how much Campus Kids has meant to them; how much a single summer could have such an impact on a person. I hope you use my work here on the website to look back on this impacting summer, and remember all the wonderful times. I have certainly loved walking around and taking pictures of all the activities and seeing everyone's face light up as they won a game of Ga-Ga or finished their first bead-looming project. I've loved getting to know each staff member a little better as I interviewed them and taken their goofy pictures. I've loved writing Photo Journals such as the Space Movie Spoof evening activity and the double period softball. I have loved it all and I mean that sincerely. So I take back what I said earlier, I do have an exciting topic to talk about- how fantastic this summer has been. Thank you so much.
   -Jess
 
Is it already time for another one of these goodbyes? Though I am 364 days older, I still cannot seem to find the words to express what this summer has meant to me. After 5 years as a camper, and 1 year as a staff assistant, you think that camp just can't get any better, but of course, it does. Okay, I'll admit it. I came into this summer with some expectations. I knew that the staff would be amazing, the campers enthusiastic, and the friendships long-lasting. But I have to say that this summer has surpassed them all. How can you highlight the infinite strengths of a staff of almost 80? I had the opportunity to work with some of the most genuinely kind and creative people I have met who are constantly striving for greatness. Campus Kids offers tons of activities to choose from on a daily basis, but of course this isn't enough. New things are constantly added, from cardio insanity to siege craft and rapping. This staff wants to make a difference in the lives of many. And what is there to say about the campers besides from the fact that they are always looking for a new experience and endless? They are a constant reminder of what me and my friends were like some 7 or so years ago: eager, excited, and care-free. Something all of us could use to be a little bit more often. And finally, how do I sum up 14 friendships that have developed in 8 short weeks but will last a lifetime? I had the opportunity to work with, live with, and in general hang out with the most diverse group of teens who seamlessly get along.  I guess all I can say is thank you. Thanks you Campus Kids for letting me grow, for giving me joy, and letting me have the best job anyone could ask for.
  -Lindsey
 
WOW! I cannot believe how fast the last eight weeks have been. It has truly been an amazing summer. I have so much fun everyday walking around campus to document all that goes on at Campus Kids. Some campers love the camera attention. Others don't like it as much. Some insist that I have never taken a candid shot of them (even though I have!), while others  come up to me to ask me to take a picture of them "in the action". To all of these campers, I thank you for making my summer worthwhile. I loved working as a Team D staff assistant over the last two summers, and giving my viewers the chance to look at camp a different way by explaining games like Gaga, and giving a behind the scenes look at the running of camp. For my viewers, thank you for taking the time to look at my pictures, journals, and interviews. Stay safe, have a great year, and see you at the reunion.
  -Zach  
     
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