Alumnae – Grace Moore reflects back on her camper days

I can still remember the nervous excitement I felt the first time my parents dove me up the hill to Forest Lake Camp in the beginning of the summer of 2001. My older brother, George, had attended camp the previous five summers. He had endless stories about camp, so I knew what to expect. His enthusiasm for FLC was contagious.

Needless to say, camp was everything I could have envisioned and more. I spent four summers as a camper at FLC, winning some distinguished awards such as: Most Enthusiastic Camper, Most Dedicated Swimmer, and Worst Ultimate Frisbee Player. My friends at camp were some of the best I have ever known.

Every summer I spent away from camp, I spent fantasizing about going back. I finally did return as a counselor in the summer of 2008. Being a counselor was a pivotal transformation for me. It gave me the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and coaching abilities, which drove my love of teaching. Camp gave me the confidence to be myself and to explore my interests, to not be afraid, to try new things, and to find wonderful friends wherever I go.

I am starting my dream job this summer as a Special Education teacher through DC Teaching Fellows. Being a camp counselor solidified my desire to teach. I always aspired to be a role model in the way that my inspirational, fun-loving counselors were for me. I truly don’t think that I would be the person I am today without camp, and I am forever grateful for it. Camp helped me to become an independent, explorative, and kind person. I miss camp all the time and  frequently look back at my time there with the fondest memories. I wish everyone at camp the best summer ever and I thank all of you for helping me find myself and my passions.

-Grace Moore