Capital Camps has been my home for four weeks every summer for the past seven years of my life. There, I live, learn and grow with my "family." By "family," I mean the 40 some-odd group of kids who I’ve grown up with every summer. They are the best friends that I have ever made. We have experienced so much together. I had many of my "firsts" at Capital Camps in which Waynesboro, Pennsylvania was the setting of my first kiss, first crush, first slow dance, first time away from home alone and my first prank. If I had not gone to Capital Camps, I would not be the person I am today. I learned more about myself at camp than I have anywhere else.

This past summer from July 8-14, I attended Frostburg Music and Arts Camp. There were a bunch of specialized electives to take—from how to conduct a sermon to improvisational acting. I got to choose four electives, which consisted of improvisational acting, acting from a script, guitar and woodwind ensemble. We started each day with an hour long worship service with the camp’s praise band and resident pastor. On the last day, we had a huge service where our parents were invited to see everyone showcase what we had worked on all week. I loved the camp so much because I was able to develop my skills to lead worship at church back home and to make so many friends. These friendships are long-lasting because we shared not only our passion for performing, but also our passion for Jesus Christ. I’m excited to go again this year and repeat the awesome experience!

My experience with USY on Wheels is one that I will never forget. I heard about the program through a friend and we decided to do it instead of summer camp. Wheels is a six and a half week bus trip around the United States. There were 47 Jewish teens from all across the country. We started in New Jersey and made a full circle back. Although meeting people on the bus the first day was somewhat scary, by the end we were like one big family. Many of the activities we did were not only fun but also gave us opportunities to see and partake in new experiences that all of us will remember for the rest of our lives. Some of the activities included going up the space needle, hiking in Yellowstone National Park, and praying on the Grand Canyon. We also toured Disneyland, CNN and the Coca-Cola factory. I still keep in touch with my friends from the trip. The experiences we had and the memories we share make USY on Wheels stay close to my heart forever.

Two summers ago, I went to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Leadership Camp at Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania and had one of the best camp experiences of my life! The days of sports, games and music were all exceptionally fun but what we got out of it far outshone the recreation. I went into camp expecting to learn simply how to lead an FCA huddle in Sherwood but I left with the motivation to transform my own life and the lives of people around me. The theme of the camp was "For the Glory" and the speakers motivated the campers and me to live our lives for the glory of God, not for ourselves. We got to listen to and meet the band "Unsearchable Riches" and we learned everything we needed to know about developing a strong FCA huddle. FCA camp had all the perks of any other camp but its Christian base allowed for connections and conversations on a much deeper level. I had a great time at camp and I highly recommend it!

I spent two great summers at Camp Louise, an all-girls Jewish sleep-away camp. I had a blast there and made great friends that I still keep in touch with today. We participated in tons of great activities like arts and crafts, sports, dance, color war, swimming and so much more. We also went on outdoor adventure trips like white-water rafting and rock climbing. Even just hanging in the bunk was fun because you got so close with the other girls in your bunk that you always find ways to have fun. I loved every moment there and treasure all the great memories I made. I will never forget my experience at Camp Louise.