Sometimes the people we miss the most from camp are the counselors! Did you feel like you gained a new “big sister” by the end of last year? That’s great!

Counselors help you as you get settled in, make new friends, and get from one activity to the next smoothly. Maybe your favorite counselor helped you overcome homesickness or encouraged you to ride a horse or compete in the swim meet for the first time, even though you felt scared.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that counselors are people with lives outside of camp! Even though it seems like your counselor might live at Skyland all year long, counselors often go on to college, take time to travel overseas or even to teach outdoor education as a career. It’s hard to imagine, but if your counselor couldn’t come back this season, it’s for a good reason. Maybe she decided to step outside of her comfort zone and try something new, just like she encouraged you to do.

Remember that there are so many amazing staff members to get to know at Skyland, both “old” and new, so stay open to meeting and talking to new counselors this season. If  you’d like to send your former counselor a letter or thank-you note, just ask a Skyland staff member if we are able to get her contact information to you.

One other thing to consider: if you loved your counselor at Skyland, think about why. What was it about her that made you feel so happy or comfortable?  Know that it’s possible for you to inspire people just like your favorite counselor did. Counselors are leaders in the camp community and help inspire girls to feel confident and curious as they explore. If that leadership role is exciting to you, you can consider applying for the counselor in training program when you’re old enough.  In the meantime, challenge yourself to get to know Skyland staff members you may not already know well.  A new friend might be waiting out there for you!