From not-so-great to awesome

I felt butterflies in my stomach and a chill down my back as I stepped onto the Camp Longhorn bus. The thought “Am I ready?” popped into my mind. This was my first time ever at sleepaway camp. My mom, uncle and cousins had all gone to this camp and said it was a blast. I did not want to be the one to end this family tradition. I had even convinced one of my best friends to go, so I gathered up my courage and sat next to my friend. I felt okay, but as the bus began to drive away from our parents, my friend and I began to cry.

A counselor and some other girls cheered us up. Some older girls talked to us about what to expect at camp. My worries soon washed away. After that we sang songs, played games and talked some more until we got to the camp. 

My first year at camp was not my favorite. My cabin was not the best fit for me. Not everybody in my cabin got along. It was weird for me because I did not feel like I fit in. It was tense, and I thought of not returning the next year. Soon after camp ended, they sent a form asking me how I liked camp. I filled it out, and I told my parents what had happened. Camp called my parents and asked what happened, and the camp put me in a different cabin for the next year. 

This new cabin was with girls who had never gone to Camp Longhorn before, and I was so excited! This time I made friends with everyone in my cabin and had an extraordinary camp year! The minute I got out of Camp Longhorn I started thinking of going back. 

I am glad I stood up for myself, or I would not have met them and things would not have changed. Now I am getting ready for my third year at Camp Longhorn, and my mom is even letting me pack my own trunk this year. Standing up for yourself is important. It can turn awkward things into awesome things!

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