Page 12 - CMTeen_Volume1_Issue4

Campers, Counselors Share
Deep Connection

By Jonah Berger*

A LOT OF ENERGY WENT INTO PLANNING CAMP FOOTPRINT, and
the results far exceeded expectations. United by excitement and enthusiasm, the
dedicated staff of volunteer counselors came together for training the day before
the kids arrived, decorating the cabins, getting to know each other and mapping out the week. The
campers arrived at the Pittsburgh airport on Monday, August 23, from every corner of the
United States, as well as Mexico and Australia! The first day was all about getting to know each other
and soaking in what it’s like to be surrounded by others who deal with similar challenges and hold
similar wisdom.
Over the next five days, campers accomplished a lot: kayaking, canoeing, swimming, wall climbing
and traversing high rope obstacles. They also sang and laughed without limit! On Wednesday evening,
when the sun went down, the group gathered at the edge of a thickly wooded trail. What happened
over the next hour was pure magic: The entire group of imbalanced and funky-footed campers and

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