My spring break has been full of seeing friends and family, spending time with my cows at the barn, sleeping, and of course, watching late night television. I’m a huge Seth Myers fan and an even bigger Jimmy Fallon fan, so late night TV is what I look forward to some nights, especially when there are great guests lined up for each.

One of the greatest things that Jimmy Fallon does is his infamous “Thank You Notes” that I laugh hysterically at every single time. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, get ready for five of the greatest minutes of your day when watching this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOeJAAaBA3M) I love the idea so much, that it’s time for me to write a thank you note, so here goes nothing.

Dear Harford County 4-H Camp,

You have filled my last 9 years with incredible happiness, extraordinary memories and exceptional friends. I’m moving onto my second “promotion” as I become an adult. The transition from a camper to a counselor was incredibly exciting, but as I switch from a counselor to an adult, things don’t seem the same. But, in order for me to be the best volunteer I can be at camp, I need to reflect on my past as a camper and counselor, and to thank you for being the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Thank you for being an uncomfortable environment for a shy 10 year old to walk into. I walked into camp late as everyone was singing in the pavilion at the Welcoming Assembly. I had no idea why everyone was happy about singing these songs about camels, squirrels and little children. I wondered why these people were crazy and I wanted to leave because I felt lost. Turns out, what seemed to be intimidating was the most welcoming environment I’ve ever been in, and I turned into one of those “crazy” people the very next day.

Thank you for changing me into the enthusiastic, passionate person I am today. As a camper, I saw more spirit in my counselors than I ever thought there was in the world. The counselors at camp showed me that passion is what makes life exciting. They devoted a week to us and made it unforgettable by always screaming, going above and beyond at themed dinners and making us feel at home. They made spirit such a big deal to me that spirit is what camp became to me. I even picked a college based on my need for spirit because of my camp experience, and I couldn’t be happier. I live my life in an enthusiastic and passionate way because of you, Camp.

Thank you for giving me throat problems after losing my voice on the first day of many camps. I believe that I have messed my throat up because of losing my voice twice a year every year for the past (almost) decade. I lose it almost every other week now, but would I trade spirit up for that? Certainly not. That would be absurd. 

Thank you for giving me my best friends. I’ve learned what true friendship is at camp, and it’s not just in the summer. I’ve been a camper and counselor with my best friend, Nicole, and some of my very best friends in the world were my fellow counselors. I can even say that a few of my campers are up there on the list too. I can’t imagine my life without any of them, and that’s an understatement.

Thank you for letting Crocs be acceptable during the lowest point of my life (middle school). Crocs were cool at camp for a while, and I’m glad I got my money’s worth out of them during our “Weeks Along the Creek” because they certainly weren’t acceptable outside of the camp boundaries.

Thank you for showing me how important role models are. Ever since my first year of camp, I’ve realized how important role models are. I’ve strived to be like my enthusiastic, caring counselors since day one. I still remember them although they probably have no clue who I am now. They’ve had a huge impact on me, and I can only hope that some of my campers can say the same about me. It’s so important to have someone to look up to, and my camp experience proved that to me.

Thank you for teaching me that it’s the coolest thing ever to be different. Challenges at campfire literally beg for people who can do awesome things to come out and brag about it. People show off how talented they are, resulting in an “oooh” and “aaah” from everyone around the fire, but it is amazing to see everyone respect a person because he or she can do something unique. And honestly, the people who do challenges, instantly become famous at camp. Plus, being weird is completely okay at camp. It’s where I learned that it’s okay to be different, and I took that by the reins and am 200% strange now, but I embrace it, because of camp. 

Thank you for helping me realize what my passion is in life. My camp experience has made me understand 4-H in a different way and has showed me that I want to work with 4-H camps in my future. There is nothing in this world that I love more than you, 4-H Camp, and I want youth across the country to experience what I’ve been so blessed with growing up. I want camps to continue to thrive and to help children grow in teamwork, spirit and 4-H.

Thank you for teaching me about different skills, from cooking to how to shoot an arrow. There’s nothing like cooking a pizza or potato in Outdoor Cooking, or your first time at Archery. They were my favorite things as a camper and I love seeing campers smile and enjoying themselves at these activities.

Thank you for letting me sing even though my voice is worse than a walrus wailing in pain. It’s no secret that I can’t sing, but did that stop me? Nope. It doesn’t stop any of us, but it’s a beautiful thing at camp. Now, we don’t do that in public or anything, but it makes camp extra special.

Thank you for showing me that teamwork is of the utmost importance in daily life. Camp isn’t about one person winning, it’s about a tribe working together to have a fun, safe week- a tribe that sings together, does crazy stuff together and enjoys each others’ company. My tribes were always my favorite teams that I ever was apart of. 

Thank you for giving me difficult campers to teach me patience. Slow walkers, tough attitudes and “Can I please have a piggy-back ride, NOW?!”s were some difficult campers to work with, but they made me stronger and gave me so much patience in daily life.

Thank you for the most difficult challenges we had to work around. There’s no place that requires a Plan B like you, Camp. There are limitless examples of this, but the moldy mattress fiasco that Nicole, Conner and I had to take care of in 12 hours or less was a memorable one. They say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. Yeah, well, there’s no going anywhere at camp. There’s “fix it” and that’s about it, but that’s how you learn. “Learn by doing” definitely applies at camp.

Thank you for showing me that it’s the little things that count in life. Mail, song lyrics, and tribal decorations all meant so much to me at camp. Putting effort into the little things pays off in the long run, and I learned that from you.

Thank you for being the best thing that could have ever happened to me. “This is home, this is where I’m from, this is family.”-HMTM 

I love you with all of my heart and can’t wait to see you in 99 days.

“Harford, Harford, camp of beauty, we will honor thee, and live up to 4-H standards as true members be”

How-How!
Elizabeth

Camper, Counselor, Director, and now Adult