It was the best experience of my entire life—also the hardest. Our group became so close, and there were many obstacles along the way. I learned that no matter what, I can do anything with my group and for myself. It was the most amazing experience of my life, and I’m thankful for it.

If I could give advice to a future camper, it would be to take time to let the lessons we experience here sink in. We often talk about our motto, “my own self at my very best,” and while it may not always resonate perfectly, I believe that if you truly reflect on it and strive to be your best, you can excel and grow tremendously. Take time to appreciate the lessons and the people around you, and you will soar.

We embarked on a long canoe trip in Canada, an incredible and life-changing experience for me. During that first week at camp, I was deeply impressed by the philosophy of the camp and its Four Fold philosophy of balanced living. That is what has stuck with me the most and left a lasting impression.

The one thing I would tell a future camper about camp is that just like you should really come because it's a place for growth and it's really fun. You can come here and grow physically and mentally in all the four folds.

I believe the physical space—the sand dunes, the water, and the surrounding nature—is absolutely what camp is about. To me, that’s Miniwanca. Nature is an essential component of it, along with the feelings and the energy we bring to this place and the energy that has been felt here for so long. I’m sure everyone says this, but Miniwanca has undoubtedly been the most influential thing in my life. It’s what helped me realize that I could make it and that I could do it.