Over the holidays, I found myself reflecting on joy—how to experience more of it and how to spread it. While happiness is wonderful, I often find it tied to external factors, whereas joy seems to come from within.
We often think of camp as a place filled with fun and happy campers. Of course, I’d prefer a camp full of happy kids over disgruntled ones. But camp is so much more than that. Even if our campers don’t always recognize it, they experience joy while they’re here.
This realization struck me again while watching our Camp High Rocks Video. One camper shared something that has stayed with me:
“I really like pushing myself and feeling uncomfortable—but not so uncomfortable that I’m too scared to try. When you push yourself, the outcome becomes a lot more joyful because you look back and think, ‘Wow, I just did something really cool.’”
The first time I heard this, I thought it was insightful but wasn’t sure how to interpret it fully. Over time, I’ve come to realize how much these kids can teach us. Their ability to stay present in the moment allows them to experience everything deeply—frustration, nervousness, disappointment, excitement, and yes, joy.
Life at summer camp is simpler by design. It provides space to reflect and opportunities to pursue goals. Setting and working toward a goal is an essential part of camp life. Some goals may take days or weeks, while others, like paddling the Nantahala, require years of preparation.
When we invest effort and perseverance into something meaningful, we gain not only a sense of accomplishment but also gratitude and connection. Sharing these experiences with supportive counselors and friends makes them even more special.
Even if campers don’t label what they feel as joy, you can see it on their faces. It’s unmistakable when they reach the top of the climbing tower, roll a kayak for the first time, or achieve a personal milestone. In these moments, our staff truly understand the importance of their work. There’s nothing more joyful than sharing these experiences with someone else.
As an adult, I realize I sometimes fail to be fully present, which means I may miss out on moments of joy. My goal for the new year is to focus on joy and the people I want to share it with.
– Zoob Gentle
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