Finding Her Voice

Last week, a senior camper approached me for support regarding her bestfriend that she was struggling with. She had felt a growing distance between them since camp began and wasn’t sure how to bridge the gap. Afraid that addressing the issue might make things worse, she struggled to find the right words, the right time, and the courage to say anything at all. She visited my office daily, seeking advice on how to approach her friend, whom she missed so much. I shared advice and ultimately offered to be there with her for support if and when she was ready to speak her mind and share her feelings but today she came to me saying, “I need to do this on my own, and I think I’m ready.” With palpable nervousness, she walked from my porch straight to her bunk and, mustering all her courage and asked her friend to take a walk with her. I watched them stroll past my office, initially quiet but gradually opening up. By their fifth lap, they were laughing and clearly reconnecting. Being a teenage girl can be incredibly challenging, especially when it comes to finding your voice and expressing your feelings. Today, this camper not only found her voice but also rekindled her friendship and discovered a newfound confidence. At tonight’s evening activity, I saw them sitting side by side, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, back to being best friends. This place is amazing for so many reasons and this was definitely one of them. She found her voice and her courage and her best friend.