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(On this the final day of camp, 150 sad campers depart a place they’ve come to love so much. For ten 16-year old campers, it’s more than a simple farewell. Today marks the end of an era; their life as a camper. It’s an experience that has shaped their lives.)
“Over the years I have always asked others what camp means to them. And I wonder why my perception of it often differs. To me camp was never a playground or an absolute zoo of fun. I’ve been here at Pok-O since 2001; it is now 2009, and my final year as a camper, so I wonder... what has camp done for me and what does it mean to me?
“Growing up at Poko has taught me to understand, encourage and continue the famous well preserved traditions. The everyday cabin life that I have experienced for years is a brotherhood; it has encouraged me to get along with campers from different home and cultural backgrounds.
“ On an individual basis, being a camper has guided me in understanding my expectations, limits, and goals. Sure, going on the 70- mile Super Marcy hike tested the strength in my legs and back but, at the same time, it allowed me to assess my personal goals, mental strength and attitude.
“All of theses ways in which camp has impacted me makes me realize that no other camp, school, program, course, study, or trip will have the same effect.” - Sam Sh (with input from Gabe, Nick, and Sam Sp.)
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“Reflecting back on our years here at camp we can conclude that camp is not just a place or location that we come to during the summer. It is a lifestyle that shapes us as people. However cliché as it may sound Pok-O-MacCready is a home in which we feel we can return to. Although the friends we have made here are ones we can treasure for the rest of our lives the traditions and spirit of camp make it a place that we will always know, love, and understand.
“There will never be a time in our lives where we won’t appreciate coming back to this magical place. As the day approaches in which we must leave, we can safely say we will be returning in the future. We love you all, and thanks for making camp the greatest place in the universe.” - Eliza, Caroline, Kelsey, Laura, Annie, and Adina
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