Great Experience

Week seven! The last and final week of Ecocamp. In the scheme of life it's not that long, but like all great things so much has happened that it feels like forever, and of course forever has passed in the blink of an eye. 

   The last entry I wrote in reference to Eco camp I was on nocturnal camp, but this last week I've been back to a "normal camp schedule." 30 girls, a large cabin, regular meals, long hikes, the whole wonderful, exhausting, exhilarating deal. Of course I've been ridiculously reflective the entire week "this is the last time I'll..." 

   I won't deny it's been a hard summer, and a complete learning curve, take long hours and then extend them and that would be my day, a constant stream of children and no matter how cute or sweet they are there's just a certain point when you feel you can no longer handle a small hand slipped into your own, or tears.... Oh the tears! Yet I have learned so much, gained so much exercising and knowledge from just the everyday life of working in this tight knit community of naturalists, councilors, and children amongst the deep and solemn trees. 

    There was a training session at the beginning of summer one week skimming problems we may encounter, rules and procedures, first aid... That in no way prepares you for the blunt of responsibility demanded from you when you are faced with all those lively and trusting young faces. That mixture of making them safe, happy, keeping them healthy throughout the week. Nothing prepares you and teaches you except the experience of answering their questions, solving their problems petty or serious. 

   It is such an amazing experience and in-between the sleepless nights and problems deemed silly, but solved anyway, there is that joy  of knowing you have created memories for a child, maybe helped them learn something new, there is just such a deep rooted feeling of satisfaction and I know whether or not I return next summer, I know I will value these three weeks deeply for the rest of my life.