Where to begin? An ordinary guy, coming out of col...

Where to begin? An ordinary guy, coming out of college stumbled upon a job working at a summer camp, and little did he know, it would change his entire life. Coming to Trails End Camp 5 years ago, I really had no idea what to expect. Growing up, I never had the opportunity to have a camp experience, but was always fascinated by it. I stepped out on a whim and decided this is where my path would take me, and at that moment, a summer job turned into memories, friendships, and family that will last a lifetime.
I remember my first day arriving in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania. Driving from New Hampshire, it took me a little longer than 7 hours to arrive at Trails End. I was very excited about this new journey I was going on, but was also nervous. I didn t know anyone there, I wasn t familiar with the area, everything was brand new to me. I pulled into the parking lot, parked my car, and was greeted instantly by all the friendly staff. That night, all the nervousness went away. The staff made me feel so welcome and I settled right into my new home for the summer.
5 summers have gone by since that day, and I continuously find myself counting the days until the next. Every summer brings new memories and new friendships but the magic is always the same. Once you enter Trails End, it s almost like walking through a portal from the rest of the world. It s the one place where it feels like anyone can truly be themselves without hesitation. You are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and be the best version of yourself that you ve always wanted to be. Over my time at Trails End, I ve done some things that I never thought was possible. I ve danced on tables, performed on a stage in front of hundreds of people, painted my entire body blue, dressed up in many costumes, and became quite the competitive square dancer. I also pushed my fear of heights to new boundaries, learned how to water-ski, developed my leadership skills, and became a better person. Truthfully, I would not be the person I am today without Trails End Camp.
Better for having been . This is a saying you hear a lot around Trails End Camp. It s simple but perfect. It embodies everyone who has ever been a part of Trails End Camp. Present, past, or future. Camper or staff member. No matter if you ve only spent 2 months in Beach Lake, PA, or close to 20 years. Once you ve experienced a summer at Trails End Camp, not only will you have made an impact on Trails End, but it will have made an everlasting impact on you.
The magic of Trails End wouldn t be possible without the staff and its leadership. Marc Honigfeld, and his entire family, truly embody what is good in this world. No matter where you come from, they welcome you into their family with open arms and a smile. No matter where my path takes me, they will always be a part of my family. I will never be able to thank them enough for believing in me, and for the privilege of being a part of something that is truly special.
If you re reading this and are wondering if this is the right job for you, I can promise you one thing. You will always get what you put in. If you come into Trails End with an open mind and a positive attitude, you will truly leave Trails End, better for having been. I know I have.