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So at the end of most camps we have a wish float where the kids come up and make wishes then light a candle for them. The candles are put on a float and sent out into the lake, it’s always really emotional but tonight was so intense. These kids are just phenomenal, I can’t convey how fantastic they are. They support and love each other so much, even the youngest campers who are only 5 years old. I was fine for most of it until the end. There’s a kid who is about 8 and his name is Dominique. He is the cutest wee thing to walk this earth and for some reason he attached himself to me all week. So tonight he came up to me and I picked him up and he started crying. He kept saying he didn’t want to leave and how sad he was. So then of course I started crying and his counselor took him away which made him cry even more and I just felt like an emotional wreck. Then I was talking to another staff member and they told me he lost his sister a month ago. I dunno, I just think these kids are so strong and the happiness and kindness that comes out of them makes me want to be a better person.

They also talk about the people they lost. Normally they lose 1 in 10 of their campers to cancer each year. The idea that 13 of the kids won’t be here next year makes me feel sick. I’m going out to party now and I am not in the mood.