Summer Camp

Every summer the second oldest group of girls, or juniors as they call themselves, organize a banquet for the entire camp to honor the oldest girls, the seniors.

The juniors spend the entire summer coming up with a theme, making decorations and creating costumes. Their goal is to transform our camp’s cafeteria into a magical place where the seniors are the center of attention. Banquet takes place on the second to last night of camp, and it is the biggest celebration of the summer.

This year, the juniors decided to transport us to a tropical paradise.

Everyone dressed in their brightest colors and the cafeteria was smothered in flowers. Floral tablecloths covered the tables along with candy and other brightly colored foods. Pink lemonade, cranberry juice, and orange juice were the only drinks allowed because of their color. Every item on the menu was tropical-themed from the star shaped chicken nuggets to the impeccably decorated cake.

The night was spent eating more food than any person should ever consume in one sitting, telling stories and laughing with friends. Banquet was created to honor the seniors but it also gave the entire camp a night to look back and celebrate yet another incredible summer. It's a time where I'm able to just enjoy the moment and look around at all the smiles and hear all the laughing of people who I've come to know. Banquet reminds me of the simple joy that the happiness of others brings to me.

Independence Day

Every 4^th of July, my entire family gets together for the biggest celebration of the year. It might seem unusual to make a big deal out of Independence Day, but it’s the only time of year when all of my cousins, aunts, and uncles can take work off and come up to our cabin in Maine to spend time together and celebrate.

We have a ton of food, stories, campfires, fireworks, and fun. It’s the time when all of my cousins bring their significant others to meet the family, so there are new faces every year. It’s also often the one day of the year when we get to meet the newest members of the family after someone has a baby!

Two of the newest family members learning to fish.

My uncle Jack gathers everyone together and makes a big speech, usually involving an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. His loud, booming voice makes it very exciting. After, there is a giant game of family badminton, during which absolutely everyone is accused of cheating—but it’s all in good fun!

Paying close attention to the annual Independence Day Speech.

Later in the night, those partiers left standing have a big card game, usually lasting until the early hours of the next morning. We all laugh, talk, and catch up on everything that has happened since the last time we saw each other, and even if it has been a year, it still feels like I’m sitting at the table with my closest friends. Independence Day is more than just an American holiday for my family, it's a day of laughter, bonding, and enjoying the company of those we hold dear.