By: Emily Thompson
Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Feb. 8, 2012
Reflecting on my summer camp experiences, I remember the concept of “camp magic” that counselors often spoke about. There were special themed days like Pirate Day, where we donned bandanas and eye patches, and took part in playful competitions. It was less about winning and more about the joy of being silly together. There were memorable moments like breakfast outdoors in the fresh morning air, organized by the counselors who moved everything from the dining hall to the flagpole. I recall barbecues, fireworks on the Fourth of July, spontaneous dances, and evening events such as ice cream socials. There were also bonfires, skits, and nights dedicated to camper and counselor performances. I vividly remember the thrill of sailing solo for the first time and the excitement of getting up on water skis. Each of these experiences contributed to the magic of my childhood.
As campers, we were blissfully unaware of the meticulous planning that went into these magical moments by the camp staff. Now, I recognize the dedication required to create such experiences.
One of the most significant figures during my time at camp was my counselor, a remarkable woman named Sarah. While she may not have been the most popular counselor, she had a unique way of connecting with us. Every evening, instead of rushing off to join her fellow counselors, she would stay back to read us Jonathan Livingston Seagull. We would listen intently to the tale of Jonathan soaring above the ocean, with the soothing sounds of the Chesapeake Bay lapping outside our tent. Those evenings left a profound impact on me, as we drifted off to sleep with Jonathan’s story in our hearts.
One unforgettable morning, Sarah surprised us by waking us before dawn. She instructed us to dress quickly and bring our bathing suits and towels. We piled into the camp van, giggling with anticipation, and headed to a local diner for breakfast before spending the day at the beach near the Bay Bridge. She had even arranged packed lunches, allowing us to enjoy sandwiches and sodas while soaking up the sun. That day was filled with laughter, and I have photos from that Kodak disposable camera capturing our happy, sun-kissed faces. We even stopped for peach milkshakes on our way back to camp.
That day remains etched in my memory as pure magic, and I am forever grateful to Sarah for crafting such a distinct and joyful childhood moment. I often think about how I wish I could express to her the impact she had on me and my friends, and how she created magic in our lives.
When I turned 16, I became a Junior Counselor, tasked with leading a group of younger girls without much guidance or training on my new responsibilities. Looking back, I see that it was a challenging transition, and I struggled to balance my desire for fun with my role in creating magical experiences for others. Some counselors would joke that the “magic” was gone on tough days, but the truth is, it was always there; we just had to actively work to create it.
I didn’t fully grasp the essence of this until I became a parent myself. Now, I understand that we, as parents and caregivers, are the true magic makers in our children’s lives. Childhood is fleeting, and it’s our duty to fill it with wonder and joy. Simple acts like preparing chocolate chip pancakes on weekends, leaving notes from the tooth fairy, or keeping the spirit of Santa alive can create lasting memories. We should take our children stargazing, embark on bike adventures, and share moments at fireworks displays, all while experiencing the world through their eyes.
While destinations like Disney World are undoubtedly magical, I cherish the memories of everyday moments with my family, like tending the garden with my mother or enjoying thunderstorms on the porch. It’s these simple experiences that truly matter.
On chilly nights, after homework is complete, we often gather in the living room around the fire. Our older children strum the guitar while we sing along, and if I plan ahead, we indulge in s’mores. Creating these moments requires effort, planning, and intention, but we are indeed the ones crafting the magic. And we have just one chance to do it right.
In summary, as parents, we hold the power to create magical memories for our children. The effort we invest in daily experiences shapes their childhoods and impacts them for a lifetime. The joy is found not only in grand adventures but also in the simple, heartfelt moments we create together.