Top Eleven Defining Moments Part 2

Event: Working at a camp for children with cancer

1. Where are you at this time? I worked for the camp from the time I was sixteen to the time I was eighteen. It was a brand new camp and my first summer was the camp’s first summer as well.

2. How old are you and what do  you look like? I have short hair, as I do for most of my teenage and adult life. One little girl asked me “Are you a boy or a girl?” I can see why she’d be confused as my camp shirt was baggy and disguised my boobs.

3. Who is there with you or who is supposed to be there with you? I was assigned to the three and four year olds. We usually had about 3-12 children (every day was different) and 3-5 counselors.

4. What is happening that makes this moment so significant? Every day forced me to grow up a little. One day I might be chasing an autistic preschooler around the campgrounds making sure he didn’t fall into the stream without manhandling him. Another day I might be in the pavilion with another camper watching Aladdin as she ate saltines because she couldn’t keep food down. Another day I might  be taking a girl to the nurse because she didn’t make it to the bathroom on time.  One day I had to report child abuse.

5. What emotions are you experiencing at this time? I always tried to have a positive outlook. The kids did not need to see another worried face. If I could sum up the whole experience in one word it would be this…rewarding

6. How would you change this situation if you could? Obviously I would cure them. One of my favorite campers I had the privilege to know is Angelina. She was a beautiful child with stage four neuroblastoma, a tumor in her brain. I have written about her in one of  my books. She put up such a fight that I enjoyed three summers with her. She passed away when she was ten years old. If I could change  things, I would save her.

7. What is your mental/ physical experience? I did have a very physical experience at camp. For example, my first summer I got a bad case of poison ivy in  my eyes. I had to see a doctor who put me on steroids. Another problem was that the days were outside, long and hot, and I often forgot to take care of myself. I would go without water and I passed out more than once. 

8. If you could speak to someone, who would it be? What would you say? I’d talk to myself. I would tell myself to take care of myself because there were several times I faced burn out. I’d make sure I knew I was a good counselor. I never played favorites (i had been at camp where my own counselors played favorites and I vowed I would never do that). I made sure no one had peanut butter (this was a big deal around camp). I made friends with fellow counselors so we could all work together. 

9. What are you saying to yourself? Where is —-----’s  underwear? This pool is freezing! Who didn’t get sunscreen? I hate playground. If I nap right now will anyone notice?

10. What do you need more than anything else? Pretzel sticks and golf cart ride to the parking lot.

How do you feel now? I am proud of the work I did at Sunrise. I had to leave after three summers because the pay was very low and I was going into college. But I always treasured the lessons I learned.

What emotions are you having now?

Fond memories. I loved this little guy, —----, who brought wrestling cards to camp and played with them. “Leigh, you’re the undertaker and I’m….I’m John Cena” That’s actually how I learned who John Cena was. Another time  he said “Leigh, you make me happy” This actually made me so happy that tears welled up in my eyes.

What are you telling yourself about this event today?

If I had known how challenging it was I might not have tried it.  But I’m glad I came into it knowing nothing because today I can use it to draw strength and do more difficult things in the future.

What did you lose or gain? I gained confidence. And it’s the kind you never lose.