When I visited Victory Junction for the first time last summer to deliver headbands, I knew there was something absolutely magical about this place. This summer, I joined the fun as a counselor and experienced a week like none I've ever experienced before!
As I got settled into the cabin, I was honestly a little nervous-here I was, not knowing anyone and making new friends for a week. The nerves didn't last long though, when I was greeted by smiling face after smiling face from the amazing staff. I immediately felt right at home and made friends right away. I was in the Las Vegas cabin, and we certainly lived up to that name and made it a week-long party!
My cabin had eight incredible girls who filled each day with so much joy. Not only were these girls sweet, kind, brave, and generous-they were hilarious. We couldn't stop laughing all day long. How often in the real world do we spend days filled with uncontrollable laughter? It made me remember the importance of seeking out ways to not take life so seriously, whether it's having a dance party or letting a friend dye your hair blue.
Another reminder I needed was to open your heart to getting to truly getting to know others. First impressions aren't everything. Everyone has a story and if you take the time to listen, you'll probably find out that you have more in common than you'd think. I even gave Johnny the llama a second chance after he spit in my face. (This became one of the favorite jokes of our cabin, of course.)
I got to share the happiness with Jess, Lauren, and Brittany when they came to deliver headbands to camp! The kids were so happy to find flower crowns and buffs on their lunch tables and wore them for the rest of the week!
I was truly amazed by how the campers so intentionally got to know each other and become friends. Not one girl in our cabin excluded another, left anyone out, or said anything but encouraging, kind words to each other. They celebrated each others successes and cheered each other on. Everyone had their moment to shine, from catching a giant fish to performing a song to shooting a bullseye to swimming in the deep end. They bonded over what they had in common rather than separating over their differences.
This week was the perfect example of the more love you give away, the more love you will be filled with. Victory Junction holds a very special place in my heart and I have the feeling I'll be back for years to come. Maybe Johnny the llama and I will even become best friends.
Learn more about Victory Junction here!
