Parenting
We Are the Creators of Joy
by Sarah Mitchell
Updated: Dec. 18, 2015
Originally Published: Feb. 8, 2012
During my childhood summers at camp, counselors often spoke of “camp magic.” There were themed days like Pirate Day, where we donned bandanas and eye patches, not to win but to enjoy silly antics with friends. I still recall the breakfast raid when the male counselors surprisingly moved all the dining hall’s tables outdoors, allowing us to feast in the fresh morning air beneath the sun. The camp was filled with barbecues, fireworks on the Fourth of July, spontaneous dance parties, and Friday night ice cream socials. We gathered around bonfires, performed skits, and participated in camper and counselor stunt nights. I remember the exhilaration of captaining a sailboat for the first time and the thrill of water skiing. Each moment contributed to a tapestry of magical memories.
As campers, we were blissfully unaware of the meticulous planning by counselors and staff to create those experiences. Now, looking back, I realize how hard those counselors worked to bring that magic to life.
At 12, my counselor was a remarkable woman named Linda. She may not have been the most popular, but she had a unique way of connecting with us. Rather than rushing off to socialize with her fellow counselors, she chose to stay behind each night to read “The Little Prince” aloud. We’d listen with bated breath, enchanted by the story while the sounds of nature serenaded us outside our tent. We would drift off to sleep under the spell of those tales.
One summer morning, Linda surprised us by waking us early before the morning bell. She instructed us to dress quickly, grab our bathing suits and towels, then whisked us away in the camp van to a nearby diner for breakfast. Afterward, we spent the day at the beach near the Bay Bridge, where she had arranged for packed lunches. That day was a whirlwind of laughter and joy, captured in photos from a Kodak disposable camera—selfies before they even had a name, showcasing our sun-kissed faces. On our way back to camp, we indulged in peach milkshakes. It was pure magic, a day forever etched in my memory. I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Linda for crafting this exceptional moment in my childhood.
At 16, I became a Junior Counselor, responsible for a group of younger girls. With minimal guidance, I struggled in my new role, often focusing more on my own enjoyment than on their experiences. It took years for me to understand that the magic of camp was my responsibility to create for the next generation. Some counselors would joke about how the magic was “gone” during stressful times. But the truth is, it never vanished; it simply required effort to manifest.
Having children of my own has illuminated this truth for me. As parents, we are the true creators of joy. Children experience their childhood just once, so why not make it as enchanting as possible? It’s our duty to fill their lives with wonder—whether it’s cooking chocolate chip pancakes on a Sunday, surprising them with a note from the tooth fairy, or preserving the traditions of Santa Claus and the Elf on the Shelf. We can take them stargazing in the backyard, enjoy bike rides together, and experience the magic of fireworks through their eyes. We should read special books to them, whisk them off to the zoo, or spend lazy weekends snuggled on the couch in pajamas. Every moment spent making memories and establishing traditions will become cherished snapshots for them in the future.
While Disney World is undeniably magical, my fondest memories also include tending to the garden with my mom or watching thunderstorms from our porch with my siblings. I treasure days spent at baseball games with my dad or riding on the back of his motorcycle, skipping stones into a pond. The magic lies in the time we invest and the love we pour into those moments.
On chilly evenings, our family gathers in the living room around a crackling fire. Our older kids strum guitars, and we sing along, attempting to harmonize. If I’ve thought ahead, we even make s’mores. It requires dedication, effort, and planning. But we are the creators of joy, and we have only one chance to make it count.
Summary
In this heartfelt reflection, the author shares memories from childhood summer camp, illustrating how counselors like Linda created magical experiences that shaped their lives. The narrative transitions into the author’s realization as a parent: that adults hold the power to craft unique and joyous moments for their children. Emphasizing the importance of investing time and effort into family traditions, the piece encourages parents to embrace their role as “creators of joy.”
Keyphrase: magical experiences in childhood
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