Summer Camp Job Adventures – Camp Walt Whitman (June-August)

Taking a piece out of my own book of comfort this summer and applied for this co-ed summer camp in New Hampshire called Camp Walt Whitman. Never thought anymore about it but a couple days later I got an email/call for an interview. Everything seemed to go so fast. Put my week-notice in at my former job of 5 years to scrambling to pack and buy a plane ticket. Finally, had the final interview Thursday and by early Sunday morning, I was headed towards New Hampshire.

Solo traveling is always nerve-wracking!! Some people can do it with no problems, but for me as a person with high anxiety and slight paranoia not so much. I did it though and it was all fine. First, got on an early flight in St. Louis to Chicago then Chicago to Manchester, NH. That’s where I met up with two other camp staff members and waited for a ride from a senior camp counselor to pick us up and take us to Piermont where CWW is located.

When we all got there, it reminded me of the camp from the parent trap. Cabins, dining hall, the beautiful lake, and different varieties of people and places they come from. I got to meet so many amazing people that have become my friends for life. There are some that happened because of the COVID isolation cabin, some by chance, and some by a leap of faith. Seven months later we are still the best of friends. We are planning summer road trips and spring baseball trips, festivals, and even photoshoots.

Once I stepped out of my comfort zone, it was a blast and the laughs, the coughs, and the memories made was all worth leaving home for 2 1/2 months. I know that I can’t go back this next summer but hopefully I can make it back for another summer.

At camp, we live our lives 10 for 2. Which means we live our lives 10 months out of the year for the 2 months of camp.

Jed Dorfman

The camp directors, Jed and Carolyn Dorfman, are incredible human beings. They love want they do and what this camp means to their family for generations. The love watching the kids and staff members grow and having their best time (to an extent). They are the camp mom and dad. When I was going through a tough time at camp on a couple of occasions; I went to them and amongst their busy schedule took time out to listen and talk with me. They both encourage everyone to follow what they are passionate about and will always have their backs in the future.

So, I would totally recommend working at this camp for the summer! 100% guarantee for fun and soul changing. Definitely makes you get out of your comfort box and live your life; with teaching kids ages 7-15. Not only are you changing their life and helping them see that not everything is about money and themselves; they change your life & heart as well.

I’m sad that I’m not going back this summer due to work and financial issues; which breaks my heart. However, I would want to go back the next year; if they’ll have me back.

---

Thanks for the memories Camp Walt Whitman 2022! See you again!

All the love,

Cheyenne