Picture this:
A regular Saturday afternoon, in England, and the Skype tone
beeps – incoming call. Facing you are two beaming American individuals,
offering you the chance to jump on a plane in just over 24 hours to work at CSL
for the summer. You’ve never worked at a camp before, you have to go to your
regular job after the weekend is done and you’ve never travelled to America
before – let alone on your own…what do you do? Do you go??
YEAH, YOU DO!!
This is my story and how I’m here today, one week later. I’m
sat here, at my desk, writing this blog. In America. In real life. In America!
Ha!
My name is Tamzin and I’m the newest addition to the Programming
and Media crew at Camp Seneca Lake. I can easily say that this week has been
one of the most surreal and crazy weeks I’ve had in my 22 years on this planet!
From arriving in the pitch black after a long day of travelling, to sitting
here and looking at my new home for the next 8 weeks. It seems insane but
probably not as insane as what this summer is about to give me. I’m not going
to tell fibs, this week has been difficult in places; trying to find your footing
in a place that already seems so fluent and capable without you is definitely a
test – one of which I hope I’ll pass – and the overwhelming emotions that hit
you sporadically throughout the first week are something I’m paddling my way
through. Nonetheless, when I look at the dorky, lovely boys I work with in
Media, I can’t help but to smile to myself…sat religiously at their computers,
snorting at each other’s goofy comments and encouraging each other through the
piles of work we have – I definitely feel content. Seeing Neil march around
winking every five minutes, hearing Elliott’s booming voice generally muffled
by snacks, admiring Cameron’s new found volume in his hair and watching
Fleissig laugh so hard at how good the shots are that he nearly delivers
Munchies up his own nose is all in a day’s work for me and I wouldn’t change it
for the world.
Initially I had thoughts of how can I feel “lonely in a
place that is so full of people” and listening to the stories around the camp
fire made me feel more unsure about whether I should be here or not. Then the
boys let me know that they are here no matter what, which made me realise that
I would be an idiot to ever let the thought of leaving even spark anywhere near
my brain ever again! Ever!
We might be working until ridiculous hours in the morning
and we might forever be in meetings about anything and everything that is going
to make 2014 the best summer that the campers will ever see, but looking around
and laughing at these people knowing I’m here for good is a feeling I’m not
swapping. The whole Programming and Media team have welcomed me and have been
more than I ever expected. I thought this was a job but it’s more of a joy.
If this is what I feel like then I can’t imagine what the
children that arrive next week will be feeling!
Coming to CSL for me was a big move but one that will be so
worth it, wherever you are from, you are limiting yourself if you don’t come
and experience it for yourself.
Anyway, that’s my life story as of Tuesday 24th
of June!
Best end this and carry on teaching the boys all the English
slang they can fit in their pockets!
Love,
Tamzin
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| I didn't want a picture, Neil made me |
