Communication Camp Reflection

When I first received a letter in the mail for communication camp, I was very skeptical about whether I wanted to go because no one else I knew had received a similar letter. After a lot of contemplation, I decided to take a chance and experience new things. Those three days changed my life. I want to become a communication camp leader because I want to open the eyes of students the same way my leader opened mine. Being a part of a diverse group of people taught me so much about the way I previously perceived not only my classmates but my teachers as well. None of this would have happened without the help of my senior leader. She emphasized the importance of individuality, nonjudgmental mindsets and the concept of safe space. Her tone and actions made us feel safe enough to tell our darkest secrets in the midst of strangers. After talking and listening to the stories, I came back from camp feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Before communication camp, teachers were not people I talked to on a personal level. I would ask them questions about their day or speak to them about class. I never thought to …show more content…
I wish all students could take part in it. Coming from a strict Christian family, I was strongly against the concept of homosexuality and lesbianism but going to camp made me realize how lost those students felt in their own skin before realizing who they were, only to be ridiculed for it. I accepted the concept that people are people and their sexual orientation should not be the determining factor of friendship. After camp, I was more outspoken because I realized that my self-worth should not be based on the perception of others. Although not everyone goes to camp, the few who do, learn lessons that they share and utilize in their daily lives. I want to be a leader because I want to be the linchpin that helps someone the same way being in the blue group/ snap squad helped