Welcome to Camp Sunshine! It's your very first day. Once dropped off, you are greeted by a bunch of counselors who couldn't be happier you're here. They lead you into the gym where you check in all your meds. Everyone around you seems to be smiling, so happy to see each other again. You may feel a bit lonely because you aren't reuniting with anyone, but don't worry. You're new and all your cabin mates can't wait to get to know you!

 

After checking in, you make your way down to the cabins. They are all decorated and look really cool! Once inside, you are overfilled with "heys," "welcomes," and hugs. They may even take you on a little tour around the camp so you can get used to everything. Afterwards, you and your unit meet and go over the teen contract and dimensions.

 

After supper, you make your way to the gym, which is nicely air conditioned, for a series of super fun games. Be prepared to laugh...a lot! Then it's time for Turtle Cove where bug spray becomes essential. You are about to listen to a wonderful concert with a lot of dance moves. Don't worry if you don't know them, they are pretty simple and consistent so you can catch on really fast. Plus, you have a bunch of really eager people around you that would be delighted to teach you the moves. After the concert is the candle light ceremony. This is a special tradition where one flame lights up the entire camp. Everyone has a story and that story connects us all, just like the candles. A terrible thing brought us all here and we are making a positive thing out of it. Like one of the signs here says, "Not every day is good, but there is something good in every day." The blowing out of the candles marks the official start of camp, and the beginning of your new family.

 

After night time meds at the Med Lodge, you are heading right back to your cabin. You pick out all your activities for the next day and get ready for bed. Then everyone wants to know about you and what you thought about your first day. They reassure you over and over again that it gets so much more fun. You get to hear everyone's stories and relate to them. Someone can tell you, "I know how you feel." And they ACTUALLY do. 

 

It's time for everyone to get in bed and discuss their highs and lows of the day. It's pretty hard to sleep because you are so excited about what tomorrow brings and can't wait to talk some more with your new best friends.

 

Welcome to Camp! : ) Let the memories begin.