My Summer As a Camp Counselor – Guest post by Alyssa Werner

This summer was my first on the ranch, although I know now it will be far from my last. Arriving as a new counselor I was apprehensive at first, but from the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful property and took a deep breath of the fresh air, I knew I had arrived somewhere very special. As I got to know my new Bar 717 family of counselors and staff, I soon came to know the true meaning and feeling of community that so many have come to love and appreciate about the ranch.

Our week of orientation quickly passed while we worked, laughed and prepared tirelessly from sunrise to sun down. During that time, my connection with the land and the people who nourish it grew. Taking a break during that first week to relax near the grassy hills and the running river that had provided me so much joy in the past week, I could only imagine the joy and freedom they have provided for so many children year after year. This is why this place is here; this is why I am here.

As the first day of camp approached I grew anxious with anticipation. I had learned so much in just one week and although my connection with the staff and the land seemed solid, I knew I was still a new comer in the eyes of the children who had spent summer after summer in this magical place. This was their summer home; their haven. The meaning and depth of the importance that the Ranch holds for children (and adults) became more clear to me as the summer progressed.

Before we knew it, it was the first day of the first session of 2014! As we hurried to make the final preparations for our lovely guests, the excitement grew exponentially when the children arrived! Their gleaming smiles, shrieks of joy and long embraces as they met old friends reinforced that there was no place I would rather be. As I looked at their faces, their hearts open and their eyes wide with wonder and excitement, I knew they were coming home.

After meeting our new campers, we headed back to the platform. My fear of being a new comer quickly disappeared as I found that the children were excited to meet a new counselor and welcomed me with open arms. In return, I was extremely thankful to have some of the campers who had been there for what seemed like their entire lives on my platform, as they were more than happy to show me (and the new campers) the ropes. I soon came to realize that these children felt a strong connection to this community, it’s values, and it’s intricate system of functioning; which is something we call, “The Camp Trinity Way.” Because the campers feel valued, included and empowered in this system, their commitment to keeping it in place is inherent.

From the first day, we hit the ground running! The hard work and fun started and didn’t stop for 10 weeks straight! During the first couple of weeks, I can’t explain how much we valued the “rest hour” we had daily after lunch! However, as the weeks went on, our bodies and minds adjusted to the rigorous schedule and we went to bed each night feeling exhausted, yet rewarded. I remember after our first overnight trip I asked one of my fellow counselors how it was for him, to which he replied, “Fun and exciting, challenging and rewarding,” and I can’t tell you how accurately these four adjectives describe the experience.

In the ten weeks I spent at the Ranch, I worked harder than I had ever worked in my life. I was pushed and challenged physically and mentally every day. From handling difficult social situations, to hiking miles in the hot weather, to waking up early to lead a running group, it was no walk in the park. Regardless, I would do it again in a heartbeat because what I can’t describe in writing is the feeling that you get and the lessons you learn from being a part of this special community. Just as I have never felt more challenged, I have also never felt more supported, valued, happy, or clear-minded in my life. Something about being in those mountains, far from technology and the distractions of everyday life, combined with the intricate and ancient balance of work and play that is created on the ranch, brings you back to what is really important in this life. It brings you back home to yourself. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to experience this wonderful space as a counselor and even more grateful that I could help bring this experience to the many children who come home to their camp family year after year.

I would like to thank the Bar 717 staff and community for their hard work and support of all of us counselors and their dedication to creating a safe space, for not only children, but for all people to come home to. It is a truly special place that I know I will call home for many years to come.