My name is Sydney Turk and I have been attending Camp Wahanowin for five summers. My five years at camp have been filled with nothing other than unforgettable experiences, memories, and friendships to last a lifetime. Every year, from the day I leave camp I begin counting down the days until the next summer. This is because camp is IMPOSSBLE to leave. I can not imagine ever having to leave camp permanently.
One reason it is impossible for me to depart from Camp Wahanowin is because it is my home. I could not possibly imagine leaving my home where my camp family, friendships, bonds, and memories will remain forever. In my words, the definition of home is camp.
My past two summers, which were my Grad and PeeGee summers, I have had the same staff members along with cabin mates. One thing that makes camp as special as it is, is the strong bond us campers share with our counselors. Over the past two summers our counselors have not only guided us, rather they have created an unbreakable bond with us, which is why we as a cabin could not imagine having new staff. Our staff members acted far beyond their roles as staff by actually creating ever-lasting friendships with us. This has shown me that age is truly nothing but a number and a friendship cannot be interfered by the concept of “age”.
Over the course of my Wahanowin lifetime, I have grown up with the same girls in my cabin. We consider each other as sisters. From the day we get to camp, no matter how long we were separated for; we cherish the moments we have together. A few girls in my cabin are from other areas around the world, such as Israel and Holland. I find it incredible how such a close bond can be kept between girls who are not in the same country all year round.
Whether it is an ordinary camp day filled with outstanding activities, a crazy evening program, or a special event such as Olympiad or colour war, I am always having the time of my life. The activities offered at camp are sometimes new to me, and sometimes ones I love that I could never get bored of, but no matter the activity I always try and take every opportunity presented upon me. The activities Camp Wahanowin offers, have taught me to always take risks and take every possible opportunity.
Camp Wahanowin has positively changed who I am today. Every single day at camp I learn something new whether it’s from someone who does not live in Canada, or from actually trying a new sport. In my everyday life in the city I apply my Camp Wahanowin knowledge.
So what does camp really mean to me? Overall, to me camp Wahanowin means a place filled with unbreakable bonds, ever lasting friendships, an explosion of excitement, and most importantly, a place I call my home. There is not one place on this earth I would rather be, than Wahanowin.
Sydney Turk
