As with many things at camp, some of our customs and traditions may appear strange to an outsider. The first day of camp is no exception. Before I saw the buses, I heard them, full of cheering and screaming campers. The atmosphere once the campers de-bus is one of excitement, and also chaos. They run, sometimes sprint even, to embrace their old friends. Once the campers hug, many can be seen going into what I like to call sensory overload. The reunions, the yelling, the counselors dressed up in ridiculous costumes, it can send the synapses into overtime. People experience sensory overload differently. Some stare silently at the friend they’ve just embraced, while others scream continuously. Not to worry though, soon a counselor will come to the rescue and direct them to their bunk, giving them time to meet even more friends.
The first day of camp can be overwhelming, but my advice is this: Embrace everything, from the cheers to the nurse checking your head for lice, and especially the sensory overloads.
-Emily Silberstein
