In the Words of 2019 LIT, Ethan Stump: Camp Community

Ethan Stump and camper, Luke Ferrero-Porschetto

Ever since I started coming to WLC, I've always loved archery. With a top notch range, many like to go there to try out something that they have never done before. But I don't just go to the range because I want to shoot some targets, sometimes I would go just to hang out with some of the friends that I had made because of camp.

Back in 2014, when I was eleven, I got to go to my first big archery competition: The Flight of the Champions. Some of the people that I am still closest with today, such as a fellow counselor Nick, and my brother Ryan. In fact, one of the main reasons I was able to get so close to my brother was because of Archery. Before I started going to camp, neither of us really liked each other. But through such a positive Archery community, we were able to become closer. Anyway, in terms of the competition, long story short; acquaintances became friends, and lots of inside jokes formed. And not to mention that we won, because WLC has a great Archery program. After the competition, we had formed a tight community, inside of a tight community, all because of camp.

Although the Archery community has it own little quirks at camp, other activities have these types of communities as well. The challenge course, for example, has a tightly knit group of guys, and so does riflery. And altogether, it creates a diverse sense of community that echoes throughout the entire camp.

In the Words of 2019 LIT, Dylan Goldman: Lasting Impressions

Dylan helping a camper at the Challenge Course

The community of camp is one that can stay closely knit together year through year. Everyone here has the same goal in mind which is to have fun. Through the diversity of the campers and staff a strong community is built where everyone works to achieve that same goal. During my experience at camp I have  seen how both the staff and campers connect to create bonds that go past the summers at camp.

During my sixth summer at camp I was able to connect with a staff member from South Africa. He and I had a common love for climbing that brought us together. I spent most of my free swims at the climbing tower so I could just hang out with him. The counselor's name is Kyle and he was the one who taught me everything I know about climbing now. At the end of that summer I was in tears because I knew that some of my good friends I had made that summer would not be coming back. Kyle came to reassure me that he would try his hardest to come back the next year. Unfortunately he wasn't able to come back that next summer. After a two year break Kyle decided to come back once again. When I walked into camp this year I was excite to hear that Kyle had come back. I immediately went around trying to find my once favorite counselor and now co-counselor. When I finally saw him the first thing he said to me was, “sorry”. He apologized for something that he said to me three years ago. It just goes to show how much he actually cared about some kid that he met at a summer camp that stuck to him like glue.

The bonds made at camp are ones that stick though the years. My experience with Kyle is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Camp is able to connect people from all over the world that would never have met any other way. The people that camp has to offer are the ones that have the ability to make a lasting impression on each camper that comes through.

By,

Dylan Goldman

The Words of 2018 LIT, Ryan Anastasio

A Success Story for a First Time Camper

Ryan on his LIT overnight hike.

Going to sleepaway camp is one of the best things that I have done. William Lawrence Camp has become a second home and another family to me. I have met countless people in my 6 years here and have developed strong friendships with people all the way from Massachusetts to Spain.

My journey at William Lawrence Camp began in the Summer of 2012. While I did not attend camp that year, I helped drop off my older brother Matt. My first impression of camp was not what it is today. I thought it was nice and was amazed at the height of the climbing tower and the size of the knoll. However, I said that this place was not for me. Leaving home for a long time was a non starter for me and sleeping in a room without electricity and a bathroom was not appealing. When my brother returned from camp four weeks later he talked about all the fun he had. While I knew that he had a great time I still said that camp was not for me.

As 2013 approached my older brother signed up for camp again as well as my younger brother Sam. I had no plans for the summer but I knew one thing, I was not coming to camp. My first year at camp was not planned. I once again went up to camp to help drop of my brothers. When I arrived at camp I was stunned to hear that I would be coming to camp as well. I begged and I pleaded but I was unsuccessful in my efforts and I found out that I would be spending the next two weeks here.

The first few days of camp are not always the easiest your first year. You have to grapple with the idea of no electricity and independent living. After about a few days, I was settled in. While I did not plan on coming my first year at camp, my parents gave me a gift in coming here. At camp I have learned skills such as how to shoot a rifle, how to shoot a bow and how to sail a boat. While these are great tangible skills, camp gives you many intangible things. At camp I have learned to be more independent. I have learned better social skills and have met hundreds of people from across the world. You are required to clean your area in your cabin and you are allowed to make your own choices at camp.

Every year I come back to camp because of the friendships I have created here and because of the hundreds of skills I have learned. If you are looking for an exciting place full of energy and a place for a welcoming community William Lawrence is the place to be.