What Does Camp Foley Mean to Eric?

For those of you that have reached your fifth summer and are still putting off your "What Does Camp Foley Mean to Me?" essay, read how guest blogger and 2013 counselor, Eric Wilson, answered the question before he embarked on his third summer. Maybe it will help give you some inspiration to write it 

What Does Camp Mean to Me? 

Eric with cabin Mandan in 2011.

I figured this would be a good question for the basis of a blog post about Camp Foley. I came to camp after my first year of college. I only knew one person and I had never been to Minnesota before. To be honest I was scared to death. I thought that I wouldn't fit in and I'd be stuck in this foreign land all summer long. Fortunately that didn't turn out to be the case. Everyone at Camp Foley immediately welcomed me with open arms and minds. I found that for the first time in my life I was truly being myself 100% of the time. That's the magic of Camp Foley; people accept you for who you are. It was such a liberating experience and allowed me to forge some of the closest bonds that I ever have. Camp Foley has given me some amazing friendships. 

Eric with cabin Mandan in 2012.

After my first summer of fun I didn't think I'd be able to come back to Foley. I told myself that I needed to get a "real" job (whatever that means). Fortunately that real job didn't work out and I was able to come back to Foley, the best job of all. My second summer was just as incredible as the first, but in so many new ways. 

Now heading into my third summer I can't wait to see what fun things I have ahead of me. 

--Eric Wilson.