Caitriona spent the summer at a camp teaching horseback riding in New England!
Going to summer camp was the best decision I have ever made. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my American adventure, and I am already looking forward to going back next summer and doing it all over again.
Before I left for summer camp I didn’t really know what to expect. A friend of mine said she couldn’t put into words how special the camp experience is, and that I would have to experience it for myself. Having now spent my summer at camp, I understand what she meant. Arriving at camp I was the most nervous I have ever been, thousands of miles away from home and not knowing what to expect, I remember questioning my decision to come. I was quickly reminded of why I chose to go to camp after meeting a few other people. I made new friends instantly and really settled into camp life. Everyone was so nice and we all gelled really well as a group. I’ve now made friends for life from all over the world.
My activity for the summer was horseback riding. I used to ride when I was younger so being able to get back in the saddle and pass on my knowledge to campers was a fun way to spend my days. I formed a really strong bond with my other horseback riding instructors and the three of us worked really well as a team, making each day at the barn a memorable one.
Getting to work with children, teaching them new skills and watching them grow was truly rewarding. Spending so much time with your own cabin and co-counsellors is taxing at times, however the positives way outweigh the negatives. My co-counsellor and I formed such strong relationships with our campers making our time at camp thoroughly enjoyable. As well as being a role model for the campers, I learned new things from them, like how to be an expert at French braids and bracelet making. I think I have grown as a person as a result of camp. I’ve matured and learned a lot about myself.
I feel very lucky to have spent my summer at camp in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I used to take a moment every day to appreciate the sheer beauty of where I was. Spending three months on a lake was a pretty unique experience for me, and I think I took full advantage of it. On those beloved days and nights off I learned how to water ski, tube and paddle board. Being on the water doing something new and exciting with my friends was a highlight for me this summer.