My very first encounter with the immersive world of summer camp occurred during my teenage years. Although the program itself lasted no longer than a mere two weeks, the impression it left on me was both lasting and deeply formative. I can still vividly recall the endless hours spent beneath the blazing New Jersey sun at cheer camp, where my peers and I tirelessly practiced new stunts, perfected intricate routines, and pushed ourselves to master the discipline that cheerleading demanded. After long afternoons of training, we would retreat to our rustic cabins, spaces that quickly transformed into sanctuaries of connection. There, late-night conversations overflowed across bunk beds, filled with laughter, whispered secrets, and friendly gossip. These moments fostered a sense of intimacy so profound that I often felt less like I was among classmates and more like I was enveloped by a family of sisters.
At that time, I would have never suspected that I would return to a camp environment two decades later, at the age of thirty-five, in a role vastly different from my teenage self’s position as a participant. This time I was not there to learn cheers or tricks, but rather to step into an entirely new responsibility: serving as the on-site media director. To my surprise, however, many of the familiar joys resurfaced—the camaraderie among staff, the radiant smiles of campers, the energy that surged through me after performing dance at the counselor showcase, and even the nostalgic experience of shared bunk-style living. All these aspects became unexpectedly essential for me as I sought to rebuild my sense of motivation and clarity after a professional setback.
Just a year earlier, my life and career were in an entirely different place. My roots, firmly planted in the East Coast where I was born and raised, had shaped my early career trajectory. Most of my professional endeavors took place in New York and New Jersey, until an exciting media position prompted me, at thirty-one years old, to leave behind my apartment in Jersey City and leap across the country to Los Angeles. That role, positioned squarely in the entertainment industry, seemed tailor-made for my ambitions and felt like the kind of assignment people fantasize about achieving. My daily schedule was consumed with hours in the newsroom, chasing trending entertainment stories, and conducting red carpet interviews—a dynamic and glamorous reality for anyone with dreams of making a name in media.
Of course, as is inevitable in any industry, the unpredictable rhythms of highs and lows presented themselves. Yet I never anticipated the sudden and jarring conclusion of that chapter in my life. In July of 2024, when the phone call came informing me that my role would not be renewed for the upcoming season, I felt an undeniable weight settle in my stomach. The abruptness of the change left me disoriented, uncertain, and forced to confront the reality of starting over.
It was in the aftermath of this disruption that a new opportunity presented itself, one that at first seemed unrelated to my former career but soon proved highly formative. I accepted a short-term contract as a digital marketing instructor, working with high school seniors to guide them through coursework designed to equip them with essential professional skills. Though temporary, this role was invaluable in hindsight; it reinforced my love for mentoring and content creation, while subtly preparing me for the unexpected direction in which my career was about to pivot.
Not long thereafter, a friend posted on Instagram about an available position at a sleepaway summer camp located just two hours outside New York City. She herself had already secured a role there, and her enthusiasm intrigued me. The concept of spending a month at camp as part of the staff, far from the pace of the city and immersed in a radically different environment, was appealing. Without hesitation, I applied the very same day, compelled by a desire for change and a hope that living and working in such a setting would bring about the renewal I craved.
Stepping into my new position as media director, I assumed the responsibility of overseeing the creation and curation of all visual content: videos and photographs capturing the daily joys of camp life. These materials were then shared with families and showcased on the camp’s social media platforms, serving as a bridge between campers and their loved ones back home. Beyond this, I facilitated a content creation class for enthusiastic nine- to twelve-year-olds, who brought a refreshing, unfiltered creativity to the process and reminded me why storytelling through media has always been a passion of mine.
Adapting to camp life presented its own set of unique challenges. Having lived independently for over five years, I was initially apprehensive about moving back into a communal space. The staff cabin housed roughly twenty individuals and contained two kitchens of different sizes, long hallways surprisingly suitable for roller skating (a pastime I could not resist), a cozy lounge, a broad front patio, and modest two-person rooms furnished with bunk beds. As fate would have it, my friend who first alerted me to this opportunity became my roommate. Despite the differences in our daily schedules, we fully embraced the experience of sharing space—one late evening even evolved into an impromptu dance rehearsal for our upcoming counselor showcase.
As the summer unfolded, I gradually recognized just how vital this experience was in allowing me to reset both emotionally and professionally. Waking up each morning to the sound of birdsong drifting through the open window, breathing in crisp air scented with pine, gazing upon endless rows of towering trees, and having a serene lake accompanied by expansive trails just steps away—all of this washed away the heaviness I had been carrying since leaving my previous job. The immersion in such a natural and communal environment encouraged me to reconnect with my younger self, to reexamine what truly drives me, and to restore the very inspiration that had once propelled me confidently through my career. By the end of my stay, the clarity I discovered reaffirmed my desire to continue honing my craft as a producer and media creator while expanding my professional skillset.
Perhaps the most powerful reminder of the impact of my work at camp came during a closing ceremony. In an unexpected yet deeply touching moment, a camper approached me with sincere gratitude, thanking me for documenting so many of his happy memories and for giving his family the chance to share in them. Tears of joy startled me as they welled up in my eyes, underscoring how meaningful the work had been not only for me but for the children and families it served.
Admittedly, accepting a seasonal role at a summer camp was far from part of my envisioned career trajectory for 2025. Yet, while unconventional, this detour has been transformative. The experience rekindled my creativity, infused me with newfound energy, and reminded me to embrace unconventional opportunities as potential catalysts for growth. Since the camp concluded, I have redirected this revitalized passion into exploring various creative avenues, including freelance writing, voice acting, public relations, and volunteer initiatives. My next goal is to expand my reach further still, developing a robust client base as a media consultant and creating accessible pipelines for young people aspiring to enter the field. With sharpened clarity and renewed determination, I am ready and genuinely excited to embark on the next phase of this journey.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/laid-off-from-job-worked-at-summer-camp-helped-refocus-2025-9
