Sarah Inver '06 reflects on her work with 8th Dimension's day camp.
As my third summer as a counselor comes to a close, I take the time to reflect on what an amazing experience Serendipity Day Camp is for everyone involved. This is a camp that is largely directed and executed by a staff of 18- to 22-year-olds. We run on a tight budget because our camp fee is minimal, especially when compared to other camps in this area. As a result, we end up with a diverse crowd of campers and extremely creative counselors. Activities range from instructional“Exploration Week” and jewelry making to the more imaginative“Duct Tape Week.” We are taught to make the most of the materials we have, so the counselors use extra enthusiasm to get campers excited about making crafts out of Popsicle sticks.
While we do have some games, activities, and contests that can be found at other camps, it is our strong traditions that make Serendipity unique. We have special events to which our campers look forward all summer. Each year, we go on field trips to the Franklin Institute, Marple Roller Skating Arena, and Clementon Amusement Park. For the younger bunks, we have a barbecue after camp called“Extended Day.” For the older kids, we have a dance and sleepover that excites even the toughest campers. This year, we also had a carnival for the whole camp, which included homemade games and a haunted house. These occasions demand extra time and energy from the counselors, but the pleasure that it brings the campers makes our hard work worthwhile. Also, the additional time spent together makes for a tight-knit group of campers and counselors.
The last night of camp,“Drama Night,” each bunk puts on a different skit. The campers work hard to perfect their routines because they will perform them for their parents. We also practice one inspirational song for the entire camp to sing as the finale. After eight weeks, we all know each other well and our farewells can be gloomy. Campers who have caused trouble all summer will cry in your arms, and you realize you will be sad to see them leave. Kids from different socioeconomic backgrounds have become friends, and many have learned lessons they never would in school. Although campers with diverse interests might not have been friends in the beginning of camp, they are friends now, and their differences are no longer important. To me, this recognition of universal similarities is the most valuable thing that children can learn.
Serendipity Day Camp earns the definition of the word serendipity:“making fortunate discoveries by accident.” The campers arrive wanting to have fun, and leave with new skills, friends, and ideas. The counselors begin with the intention of teaching these campers, and end having gained a wealth of knowledge from those same campers. Everyone benefits from the time we have spent together, our hard work, and the exceptional traditions of Serendipity Day Camp.
