The World is Harsh
Desiree describes herself as quiet and reserved, someone that had a hard time making friends. Desiree was a foster child for many years. Eventually, she was blessed to be adopted by a great family, but life was not always an easy road for her. “The world is harsh; people want to judge you at every turn.”
It was her brother who first told her how great camp was and her mom signed her up for the spring Girls Retreat weekend at Potosi. It was a small trial-sized event that seemed like an easy toe into the water. Now, years later, Desiree can still recall several of the lessons of that weekend and how they made her feel. But even more important to Desiree were the people that made her feel so welcomed and loved. “I met so many great girls that weekend, many of whom I’m still friends with today.” It is clear in her voice what these relationships mean to her.
From that weekend on, Desiree was hooked on camp, and she attended as many camp events as she could. It was the love and acceptance of the camp family that helped her to become more confident and find the courage to step out of her comfort zone.
As Desiree shares, the world is harsh. “But camp is different, camp is so positive. It helped me to know and love who I am.” At camp Desiree experienced love and acceptance in a way she never had before. She recalls hearing scriptures, songs, and stories about how God loves her, just as she is- no strings attached. That foundation helped Desiree learn to love herself.
“I could feel myself become more in tune with God, getting to know what I believed at camp.” Potosi gave her a safe place to question, wrestle and discover what her relationship with God could be. “At camp we get to focus on the good things with people who really care about you. It’s so much fun.” At camp, Desiree found another home, a place where she could belong, question, challenge, and grow.
This past summer Desiree tried “Adventure Camp” for the first time. “I’m not sure why I signed up for it, I’m not really a camping person but I wanted to challenge myself. It was hard, but I am glad I tried it.” Adventure camp was a giant shove out of her comfort zone. “We went fishing. I didn’t catch anything, and I was ok with that because I did not want to touch the fish. I don’t like fish.” Later when one of the counselors fried up some fish for dinner Desiree was challenged to try it, and to her surprise and delight, she love it. “It was so good!” The long hikes and hot days did not always bring out the best in Des. There were moments when she pushed back but she can see now how amazing her counselors were to keep her in check and keep going. “It’s crazy, they really care.”
The lessons from camp stay with her even after she leaves the mountain. “When things get hard, it helps to know how to pray, and knowing I have friends who love me for me makes all the difference.” Camp gives her tools to help her to stay focused on the positive in her everyday life, but it is the people that she is most thankful for. “The counselors, staff, and campers will do anything for you. It’s like getting a big hug every day.”
The acceptance Desiree experienced at Potosi has helped to make her a happier person. She looks forward to next summer when she can return as a Junior Counselor and help other campers find the home she did. Your generosity to Potosi makes it possible for us to recruit and train campers who provide the welcome, challenge, and belonging for children and youth like Desiree. Thank you for your generosity throughout the year.
Learn more about Potosi Pines Camp here.
Potosi Pines staff wrote this story after taking the CAGA Storytelling Training.