When I was a teenager, my first summer camp experience lasted only two weeks, but the memories have stayed with me for decades. I remember sweating under the sun at cheer camp in New Jersey, practicing stunts and routines until our muscles ached. At night, we’d collapse into our bunks, whispering secrets and gossiping across the room until we fell asleep. It felt more like I was living with sisters than classmates.
I never imagined I’d return to camp life at 35 — but this time not as a camper, but as the on-site media director. What surprised me was just how much I needed it. The camaraderie, the bright smiles of campers, the adrenaline rush of performing in the counselor showcase, and even the shared bunks gave me the kind of reset I didn’t know I was craving after a tough career setback.
A Year Ago, Life Looked Very Different
Just a year earlier, my world revolved around entertainment media. I was working in Los Angeles, after leaving behind my East Coast roots in New York and New Jersey. My days were packed with trending stories, celebrity interviews, and the fast pace of red-carpet reporting. It was the kind of career many people dream about — and one I thought I’d be doing for years to come.
But in July 2024, everything shifted. I got the call no one wants: my role wouldn’t be continuing for the new season. The layoff left me gutted. Suddenly, the career ladder I’d been climbing so confidently was gone beneath my feet.
A New Opportunity Appeared
In the weeks that followed, I found a short-term contract teaching digital marketing to high school seniors. Looking back, that role gave me skills and patience that would soon come in handy.
Then, one afternoon, a good friend posted on Instagram about working at a sleepaway camp just two hours outside New York City. She mentioned they still needed staff — including a media director. I applied that same day, eager for a fresh challenge in an environment far from the newsroom grind.
Camp Life Brought a New Perspective
At camp, my role was to manage all photos and videos of campers, curate content for their families, and run the camp’s social media pages. I also had the chance to teach a content creation class to 9- and 12-year-olds. Watching their excitement reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
Life at camp was a complete change of pace. The staff cabin housed about 20 people, with a lounge, shared kitchens, and rows of bunk beds. I hadn’t had a roommate in years, but sharing a room with my friend turned out to be fun — one late night even turned into a dance rehearsal for the counselor showcase.
Days started with birdsong and crisp air, framed by tall trees and a sparkling lake. It wasn’t just a job; it was a lifestyle reset. Being pulled out of my usual environment forced me to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with myself.
Rediscovering Joy and Purpose
The most moving part of the summer came at the very end. During a closing program, one camper thanked me for capturing so many fun moments for his family. I didn’t expect to cry, but his gratitude left me in tears — happy ones.
That moment reminded me that even small acts of creativity can have a profound impact. Working at camp wasn’t on my 2025 career plan, but it gave me clarity. I rediscovered the joy of producing and the spark that first drew me into media.
What Comes Next
Since camp ended, I’ve been channeling my energy into freelance work — writing, voice acting, PR consulting, and volunteering. My next goal is to build a stronger pipeline of clients as a media consultant, while also helping young people develop creative skills.
The truth is, I may not have chosen this detour, but I’m grateful for it. Summer camp reminded me that inspiration can come from unexpected places — sometimes, you need to step outside your comfort zone to reset your perspective and move forward stronger.
