Ryde Lake Camp

Misty morning jumps into freezing cold water,
Boisterious sing-a-longs led by Otter,
Scrumptious food that warms you inside,
There are the things I love about Ryde.

Morning Watch in our cozy sweats,
Sitting on the dock making friendship bracelets,
Haunting loon calls on a deep starry night,
These are the things I love about Ryde.

Connecting with nature and those we hold dear,
Rekindling friendships year after year,
Each girl walks with God by her side,
These are the things I love about Ryde.

Sunrise on baldy, the docks by candlelight,
All of the memories I hold onto tight,
Community, acceptance, laughter, light,
These are the things I love about Ryde.

This is my 4th and final year as a camper. Ryde has been a big part of my life ever since I first stepped into the dining hall. Even when school started, I kept singing the peanut butter sandwich song and wondered when I was going to come back and how long until I could drive into that oh so familiar gravel road and see so many friendly and familiar faces. I have so many good memories: like when I first met Twilight and November, watching everybody swim at waterfront time while knitting on the docks, and of course, all my memories of the craft cabin(oh what a wonderful place!). And finally we got an archery range! Yes! Did you know that out of all the camps I've been to, this is the only camp I've returned to? After all these years, Ryde Lake Camp has been a place for me to unwind and relax with old friends and new and I can be myself (my hyer, happy self) and nobody would care (which is fantastic). I hope that all of you campers here today (old and new) will come back next year and feel the same warm, fuzzy feeling I do every time I return.

I have been a camper at Ryde Lake Camp for seven years. My story begins when I was almost eight and I asked my parents if I could go to an overnight camp. Coincidentally, a good friend wanted to come here but only if I came with her. As you could have guessed, I said "yes'. I arrived and went through the entire week without speaking and being extremely shy. When my parents picked me up on Saturday I did not stop talking and singing the entire drive home. Meanwhile people were probably left thinking that I had had a horrible time and that I would not return the following year. I think it's evident that I came back . . . again and again and again. Ryde Lake Camp has changed who I am as a person. It has made me more confident in myself and more conscious of the people around me. Every year I have learned something new about myself and have had a new adventure. Ryde has become a part of me and probably anyone who has come to this camp. The Ryde family spirit must be the reason that people keep coming back. Or maybe it's the amazing food. Whatever your reason, you know that you can come, have a week away from your troubles and have a blast! I can't wait to come back next year as a CIT, have more adventures and make more friends. I hope that Ryde Lake Camp will be around for many more years and impact lots of people just as it has impacted me.