Camp Eden Woods: Alumnus Interview with Abby Kleinert

Watch our Alumnus interview with Abby Kleinert to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at Camp Eden Woods.

Transcript of the interview

Q: What makes Camp Eden Woods so special?

If I had to say something, it would be the free spirit and nature of it all. It allows me to feel part of a family rather than a company. With Camp Eden Woods, it’s not that I’m applying to a corporation or a business. It’s a family I’m going to work with and a family I’m going to be a part of. I dread looking for seasonal jobs during the school year because they’re just jobs—but Camp Eden Woods is different. I’d say that’s what makes it so special.

Q: What memories stand out to you the most?

Definitely with Camp Eden Woods, it would be the international staff. Not only as a camper, when I went there, I was a part of this community with all my international friends, but even the staff who came in were role models for me. Having that international ability to have people from all over—the cultures mix, our ways of life mix—it’s something I’ve never seen before. I don’t think I would have half the friends or half the opportunities I have now if it weren’t for the international staff we had at Camp Eden Woods.

Q: What would you do differently if you had the chance?

This one was a tough one because I was scared coming in. When it comes to summer camp, I was a scared kid. I didn’t know anyone. My brothers and I went, and they’re my older brothers, so they weren’t going to want to hang out with their little sister all day. I didn’t know a single person. I wanted my mom to come with me, to stay with me, but she couldn’t. If I could change something, it would be to tell myself when I was younger to be more excited, because there’s nothing to be scared of. At first, yes, I was scared, but that’s now something I look forward to the most. Being at an overnight camp is almost like it makes a little world around you.

Q: How did staying overnight add to your experience?

It’s not like a day camp where you go there and come back home and return to regular life, like school or an after-school program. Camp is a whole new world. We’ve made a community and ecosystem. Everything around us, everything we have, it’s ours and our own, and we’re like our own little bubble. At Camp Eden Woods, not only is it a family, like I was saying before, but it’s a whole world. Nothing else matters outside of Camp Eden Woods. Those gates are where the care in the world stops. We are the circle around us, and I think that’s what’s really special about overnight camps.

Q: Do you keep in touch with the friends you have made?

So, so many. I have so many friends I’ve made from Camp Eden Woods. I have a friend in Poland, a friend in Italy, friends in the Netherlands, friends from Israel, Spain, Chile—everywhere. I have friends all over the world. Even here in Canada, I just finished talking to my friend on the phone before this interview—someone I met at camp. Her name is Elia. One of my best friends, honestly, I’ve made in my whole life is from camp. I’ve never met so many different people who give me so much love. I wouldn’t trade any of those friends, even the long-distance ones, for the world.

Q: What have you learned about yourself?

Camp was so much for that—for all the friends I’ve got from there. I’ve learned that I’m kind, and that that’s a strength I should have rather than a weakness, as many people see it. Often, kindness is seen as weak or even naive. I’ve learned that my kindness is okay. I’ve learned that people tell me not to change because of my kindness. I learned that at Camp Eden Woods—that’s where I will shine when my kindness is shown. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to sometimes go outside your comfort zone. It’s totally fine, because outside the comfort zone is where the best opportunities lie. I was able to do that at camp, and I really appreciate that. It’s going to be terrifying, and you’re probably going to ask your mom not to go because it’s so brand new.

Q: What advice would you give to new campers?

I would say, just do it. Honestly, I think everything happens for a reason. I love the saying, “It’s good for the plot.” I have it on my wall just behind me. Even if it turns out terribly—even if it does—just do it. It’s a good story to tell. It won’t turn out terribly because you’re going to make amazing friends. You’re going to have the best time over the summer, and you’re not going to want to go home. That’s probably the worst part of camp—having to go home after—because you make such an amazing group and memories that you don’t want to leave. You just want to keep going back and back. So honestly, that’s the only thing I’d say to newcomers: it’s going to be scary, but it’s going to be so worth it. It’s okay to have temporary discomfort for long-term happiness.

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