I’d heard good things about it from my older brother, sure, but I didn’t really get what was so revolutionary about overnight camp. After all, I was only going to spend a couple of weeks there. But how wrong I was. Now, two summers and what feels like a lifetime later, Camp Takodah is one of the most special places in my life. I’m always looking forward to the two carefree weeks I spend there, from the day I come home to the day I leave once again. 

     At camp, there’s no Internet, no distractions, and the only contact with family is through handwritten letters delivered by snail mail. I can do more or less as I please for much of the day, from hours of free time to electives in as varied fields as candlemaking, sailing, archery, football, screenprinting, and mountain biking. What is probably the most peaceful moment in my life was when I was alone in a sailboat, with only my thoughts and the wind to guide me, totally and blissfully carefree. All I could hear was the breeze ruffling the trees and water gently lapping against the Keene Rotary’s bow. 

     Although I started out as a cautious, unimpressed newcomer, camp has drastically changed me. I’ve tried completely new and alien things, forged close friendships, gotten back in touch with the natural world, and found a place I truly love. As long as I live, know I’ll always remember the massive trees and rolling hills of Camp Takodah.