Editor’s note: This article was written by Ibrahim Gningue, a member of ALG’s Youth Empowerment group.
Before I went to camp, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a little nervous about being away from home and around people I didn’t really know. But looking back now, I’m really glad I went. It ended up being one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.
The moment we got there, I could tell it was going to be different in a good way. The air smelled like trees and campfire smoke, and everything just felt calm and open. Our cabin was small but cozy, and I shared it with a group of other campers who, thankfully, turned out to be really cool. We clicked pretty quickly, which made things a lot easier.
Every day was full of things to do: canoeing, hiking, team games, and my personal favorite – just hanging out by the campfire at night. I got to try new things I never thought I’d do, like climbing a rock wall and even performing in a goofy skit during the camp talent show. It felt good to just be myself without worrying about judgment or trying to impress anyone.
One of the best parts of the whole trip was the people. The counselors were super chill and made everyone feel welcome. And the other campers? We bonded over dumb jokes, late-night talks, and shared snacks. I didn’t realize how much I needed that kind of connection until I was in the middle of it.
By the time camp was over, I didn’t want to leave. I felt happy, relaxed, and full of memories I knew I’d be thinking about for a long time. I went in kind of unsure, but I left feeling like I’d had a real adventure. If I get the chance to go again, I definitely will.
