A MAGICAL WEEK AT CAMP REYNAL
“You simply do not have enough time, enough vacation days, enough money or enough energy to return to Camp Reynal this year.”
My ego’s internal chatter in response to the idea of returning to Camp Reynal is hilarious and mind boggling. I can be so goofy some times. I have had the good fortune to be a counselor at Camp Reynal for the last four summers. Every year has been enriching and rewarding, not to mention fun. It is always a magical (and exhausting) week. Campers and counselors alike experience the magic. The magic manifest in the excitement of catching fish, the pride of completing the ropes course, the satisfaction of riding and controlling a horse, the thrill of doing a somersault underwater, the strategic plotting of a water balloon war, the fun of catching a ball, and the spontaneous discussion of medical experiences and treatments. However, the magic that I recall the most is the laughter, not just the pleasant chuckles and smiles, but the side splitting, full bellied laughter that sometimes causes a camper to fall down, the kind of laughter from which it takes a while to regain one’s breath and composure. I have a significant need to give, to help, to contribute. Camp Reynal provides a wonderful opportunity for me to fill that need, and in giving, I fill that need, and in giving, I always seem to receive. I am not unique. That is why so many counselors and medical staff return each year. Living and working with like-minded adults contributes to the magic of the week. At the beginning of each new year, in preparation for creating new goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, I review my prior year’s achievements and blessings. During each of the last four years, the six days that I spend at Camp Reynal created come of the most fulfilling experiences for that year, which is why my ego’s reluctance to return to camp is both hilarious and mind boggling. In reality, there is enough time, vacation days, money and energy to return to camp, and the only real lack in my life is the lack of frequency during the year that I give to others in the same way that I can give at Camp Reynal.
In spite of my ego’s goofy chatter, I intend to return to Camp Reynal. I look forward to laughing with you there.
Until then, be well!
- Bruce Epstein
Camp Counselor
My ego’s internal chatter in response to the idea of returning to Camp Reynal is hilarious and mind boggling. I can be so goofy some times. I have had the good fortune to be a counselor at Camp Reynal for the last four summers. Every year has been enriching and rewarding, not to mention fun. It is always a magical (and exhausting) week. Campers and counselors alike experience the magic. The magic manifest in the excitement of catching fish, the pride of completing the ropes course, the satisfaction of riding and controlling a horse, the thrill of doing a somersault underwater, the strategic plotting of a water balloon war, the fun of catching a ball, and the spontaneous discussion of medical experiences and treatments. However, the magic that I recall the most is the laughter, not just the pleasant chuckles and smiles, but the side splitting, full bellied laughter that sometimes causes a camper to fall down, the kind of laughter from which it takes a while to regain one’s breath and composure. I have a significant need to give, to help, to contribute. Camp Reynal provides a wonderful opportunity for me to fill that need, and in giving, I fill that need, and in giving, I always seem to receive. I am not unique. That is why so many counselors and medical staff return each year. Living and working with like-minded adults contributes to the magic of the week. At the beginning of each new year, in preparation for creating new goals and aspirations for the upcoming year, I review my prior year’s achievements and blessings. During each of the last four years, the six days that I spend at Camp Reynal created come of the most fulfilling experiences for that year, which is why my ego’s reluctance to return to camp is both hilarious and mind boggling. In reality, there is enough time, vacation days, money and energy to return to camp, and the only real lack in my life is the lack of frequency during the year that I give to others in the same way that I can give at Camp Reynal.
In spite of my ego’s goofy chatter, I intend to return to Camp Reynal. I look forward to laughing with you there.
Until then, be well!
- Bruce Epstein
Camp Counselor