Skyline To Katie
Camp Skyline means a lot to me. This has been a place where I have grown spiritually, gained leadership skills, created and fostered friendships, and been supported through every step I take.
I’ve had the unique opportunity to spend 14 consecutive summers at Skyline. While my friends were going on vacation or studying abroad, I would make my way back up the mountain to spend my summer at my home away from home.
From 2009 to now, Camp Skyline has truly seen me in every stage of life.
I’ve been able to grow spiritually through morning watches, campfires, Bible study classes, and everyday conversations. I looked up to my counselors who were always knowledgeable and eager to teach their campers, and I know a lot of girls can say the same. Surrounded by a community of fellow believers, I was able to deepen my personal relationship with God and eventually help others to do the same.
I’ve also become more confident. As a young camper, I was able to try new activities, face challenges, and step out of my comfort zone in a supportive environment. Then when I got older I was encouraged to take on responsibilities, mentor others, and be a role model for girls of all ages. Every year I left camp feeling more assured in who I was and what I could achieve in the year ahead.
In the past few years I’ve been lucky to watch my campers grow too. My minis from Beetlebum have become Riversiders and the majority of my Riversiders are now counselors… crazy! See the picture to the right for most of the girls who were on the 2024 staff and also my camper! It has been so amazing to watch these girls grow over the past few years and step into leadership roles of their own.
There is truly nothing better than a good camp friendship. At Skyline, friendships form each and every day.
I’ve been lucky enough to have some of my camp friends for years. Kate, also known as Bouch, is one long-time camp friend of mine. We met 10+ years ago as campers. We were club leaders together, Riverside counselors together, and went to college together. Even if we wouldn’t talk much throughout the year, Kate and I picked up right where we left off and love to reflect on our favorite memories here at camp.
Sometimes school friends become camp friends too. Mary Patten and I met in the Taco Mama line the first week of our freshman year at Auburn. That fall we sat and talked about camp for hours, then she applied to work. I was beyond excited to have my first college friend at camp with me. Mary Patten would later become an icon for introducing everyone to “Cruisin’ for a Brusin’” her first summer.
Emily and I met as Riverside co-counselors, room 10 roommates, and barn buddies in 2021 and we’ve been friends ever since. Emily has been a constant in my life, especially at camp. We’ve spent the better part of our friendship in Riverside, but also love to make weekend trips to visit each other.
I can see the way each of these friendships, and many more, has changed me for the better. They form a year-round support system that is only strengthened by our time apart because it makes the summers together so much sweeter!
One thing I never realized until I was older was the opportunities camp gives you.
First, to be a leader. Within clubs Riversiders are given the opportunity to run for club leadership positions such as captain, co-captain, and songleaders. However, all girls are encouraged to step up in their own way during club meetings and acitivities. Age outs can participate in the LT program where they learn leadership skills like patience, teamwork, and communication. These LTs are placed in activities and cabins where they can put their new skills to the test.
Secondly, as a counselor. Girls are given the opportunity to take on larger responsibility once they reach their age out year. From being a LT, to Junior Counselor, to Senior Counselor, to Head Counselor, and now admin, I’ve literally done it all. Applying to be a counselor in 2019 was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Beyond practical skills, I was challenged to develop emotional intelligence, learn how to handle conflict, and facilitate discussions, while also serving as a role model and mentor. As I mentioned earlier, I grew in confidence and was immensely prepared for future leadership roles in every setting.
Finally, and probably most importantly, camp gives the opportunity for girls to be kids again! Without phones, girls at Skyline are given a refreshing break from social media and other distractions, allowing them to be fully present with those around them. They’re able to form stronger connections with the girls in their cabins and activities through face-to-face interactions for two weeks. This goes for counselors as well!
The opportunities at Skyline are endless, and the support given by the staff is overwhelming. From walking into the cabin on day 1 to giving my age out speech, a new door was opened to me every summer.
I’ve never found a better environment or community than the one at Camp Skyline. Whether it be at Morning Watch, activities across camp, meals, campfire, or in the cabins, the time I’ve spent at Skyline has truly been nothing but beneficial.
My dad likes to tell the story of the first time my parents picked me up from mini camp. He saw me sobbing on the front porch of my cabin and thought they made a grave mistake, but instead I said “I don’t want to go home!”. I’m fortunate enough that loving and being loved by Camp Skyline is now my full-time job.
To me, Camp Skyline is a place where I know I can grow without judgement, leave with a new friend or two, and be given the opportunities of a lifetime!
