Why can’t Camp be a cheery place?  Friendly people abound.  Like your first day at Boarding School you just need to put yourself out there.  Just because you are in a strange place with strangers doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.  For many this concept must seem otherworldly, but for Campers it comes as a pleasant surprise.

First off, you all have something in common, you are all bearing The Scarlet F.  This alone makes you a member of a most unique Sorority/Fraternity.  You are also all experiencing Club Fed for the first time (hopefully) and are in the same awkward freshman phase.

Assuming this is your first (and last) sabbatical here’s how best to assimilate:

1.  Throw out your pre-conceptions/prejudices/biases
2. Get out of your comfort zone and approach ALL types of people
3. Start with the basics…where are you from?  Do you have a partner/children?
4. DON’T ask about why someone is at Camp…let them volunteer this information.
5. Try to connect via food, who doesn’t like a good piece of chocolate cake?
6. Be sympathetic to others but don’t become a sounding board for everyone’s issues, you have your own to deal with
7. Avoid those that are truly mental…they are not hard to spot.  You’re not being rude, they could be dangerous
8. Join a sports team.  Haven’t played volleyball since High School?  Time to dust off the knee pads and get out there.
9. Volunteer to assist others in their studies.  It will not only assist them but the feeling you will get from aiding someone else is equally rewarding.
10. First and foremost….stay active and stay positive!!!  A body in motion stays in motion and improves mood.  A body at rest not only stays at rest but depression will creep in and it’s more crippling than any disease.

You can handle this….and emerge stronger than before!