Since 2012, my sister and I have been lucky to be a part of the Camp Marist family. We have both been campers, CITs, and now staff.

Camp has been one of the most formative experiences of our lives. In our years at camp, we have made friendships that thrive long after camp is over.

Throughout the years, we have gone to Philadelphia in the dead of winter for a friend’s 16th. I’ve stayed with a good camp friend of mine in Miami when I traveled for spring break, and both of our CIT group chats, with some friends we made our first year at camp, still run strong even 3 years removed from CIT.

Camp has given my sister and me the chance to learn about other cultures, the chance to try new things that one can’t do at home, and most of all the ability to appreciate caring for othersSince 2012, my sister and I have been lucky to be a part of the Camp Marist family. We have both been campers, CITs, and now staff.

After every prayer at camp, they say “and let us remember to pray for each other.” Whether one is religious or not, that statement of helping each other runs strong in the camper to camper relations, camper to staff, staff to staff, and the long legacy of the Camp Marist family that goes back 70+ years.

That one line alone describes why my sister and I have returned year after year. My family is forever in debt to Camp Marist for the many ways in which it has shaped us. The entrance sign may say “For the best summer of your life” but Camp Marist has made our year-round life the best it can be.