Real Stories

Tim McQuait

Senior Counselor, Assistant Director MAC 2010

What Camp Means to Me

To me, summer camp at Mercersburg symbolizes what childhood used to be—a time spent not worrying about what tomorrow may bring. Instead, childhood was all about living in the moment. At Mercersburg Adventure Camp, this commitment to reconnecting with childhood is constantly reinforced by its motto JWAS (Just Wait and See!). In fact, it is one of the main reasons I find myself returning every year. Camp offers me a way to return to my youth, and it gives me the chance to share that experience with children going through the same experiences I once had. It is an opportunity to relive the past through the youthful present. When you connect personally to a child for the first time, there is no greater feeling in the world.

A Favorite Memory of Mine

There certainly are a lot of good memories, but I would have to say that my favorite memories are always formed on the last day of camp when we have our final campfire. At this final campfire, there is always an opportunity to stand up and tell about your favorite camp experiences, events, and friendships made along the way. In my experience, some of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a counselor have come from these campers’ affirmations. To see a child get up and reveal something that is both personal and intimate is a very moving experience to behold. It is astonishing to see some of the individual growth that can occur in just under two weeks at camp. Campers, and counselors alike, always leave this place with a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation of others around them. No one leaves untouched.

Elena Conde,/strong

Junior Counselor MAC 2009, All the way from Spain

“If you asked me to describe Mercersburg Adventure Camp, it would probably take me a long time to answer. Because in my opinion, most good things are hard to explain with words.

However, if I close my eyes and think about Mercersburg I can see a vast extension of green fields under the beautiful sunset. The campfire makes the scene even more magical and it almost becomes idyllic when I remember the smily faces of the kids as they sing “Bananas Unite” (the perfect soundtrack for the perfect moment) and a group of fireflies seems to dance to the rhythm. A deep feeling of nostalgia invades me as I remember all the laughter, the tears (it’s always hard to say goodbye), the games, the songs… But specially when I remember all the friends I made (in an age range from 9 to 30) and that are now so far away, because they come from many different places.

I guess I fell in love last summer… Yes, I fell in love with Mercersburg Adventure Camp.”

Taylor Houck

MAC Camper 2009

Taylor’s favorite memory of camp was playing poker with all of his cabin mates and bonding with his fellow senior campers.  Camp culminated the last day of camp when Taylor felt that he had become very close with several good friends in only two fun packed weeks.

Hannah Viverette

MAC Camper 2009

Ahhh, well there’s so much to say! Mercersburg Adventure Camp is like a place to escape from the world and just focus on one thing…having fun!! As soon as you arrive there you immediately make new friends, in which over the two week period, living together and going through the same incredible experiences, you form amazing friendships and create life-long memories! I became so close with people from camp, it feels as though we are family! The people I have met each year from this phenomenal camp, are truly some of the most unique and diverse people I have ever met in my life. I live in a very small town in the country, so getting to meet kids your own age from all over the US, and world, is exciting! It gives kids the opportunity to explore other cultures and see how other people live. I feel that I can speak on behalf of many of the MAC campers when I say that at Adventure Camp we expanded our knowledge with an extraordinary amount of things and our minds have been be opened to a carefree world. One thing I really enjoyed during my experiences there was the feeling of isolation from the outside world. All my worries go away when I go to camp. It just happens on its own. I didn’t even remember what had been on my mind when I was back at home. MAC caught hold of all my attention and kept it through the entire journey! The only thing campers seem to worry about at Adventure Camp is, “what are we doing next?” The famous reply for this is, “J-WAS!” (Just wait and see!). That’s like the best part, not knowing what you’re doing next! It keeps campers eager and excited, not having a clue as to when they’re going to Hershey Park, a baseball game, or even whitewater rafting! Although, we never had to worry about not having an activity to do! I loved being constantly active and involved. There’s always another adventure even when its seems like it can’t be possible.

I could go on and on about my time at Mercersburg Adventure camp, and what I love about it, but it would take too long! It’s a completely mind-boggling experience that every kid and teen should be able to be exposed to.

In conclusion, Mercersburg Adventure Camp ROCKS!!!!