It’s the 2nd installment of our Meet An Adult Camp Counselor series. Meet Melissa, she is a foam sword dueling master.
What is a fun memory you have from Camp Bonfire?
I LOVE the dance parties. It is so much fun to dance my butt off and know I am in a safe space. Lil’ Dave is one of the best DJ’s in Philadelphia. It is such a treat to have him at camp, creating that dance party magic. At the end of the night I stepped out and looked up at the stars with a bunch of a campers and counselors. You can’t do that in the city. It is unreal.
What do you enjoy about being a adult summer camp counselor?
I love meeting new people I would most likely never have quality time with in everyday life. Last summer I befriended two mothers who have children my age, a 23 year old who does marketing in NYC and a reporter. The diversity of people I meet is just so cool to me. I don’t have many spaces in my everyday life that are this inter-generational, and I love that it is my job to bring us all together and hold space to have fun and connect.
Why did you decide to come back to Camp Bonfire?
I think it is more important now than ever to make time and space to come together and be joyful. To forge friendships with new people and learn about lives that are different than mine. Camp Bonfire is an example of the future I want to live in and the joy and togetherness I want to cultivate in my life.
What’s something you’re looking forward at this summer’s Camp Bonfire?
Capture the flag. It is all about the strategy, and I am ready to throw down. We also had a great 6 on 6 basketball game last year as well, and I am excited to do more pick up games this year at camp. I played basketball in high school and it is so nice to play again. Come bring it people!
What do you do for work and/or play when you’re not at Camp Bonfire?
I love hiking and just got back from Big Sur. Go! It’s awesome! You can hike to hot springs. I am an immigration lawyer for a non-profit.
Want to read more about our amazing staff? Check out our first post from Jason.
Space is filling up to our June Camp. Register today.
Photo Credit: Paul Gargagliano