My name is Penelope Sheer and I am going into my sixth year as a camper. Camp is my favorite place on Earth, and I am so proud to call it my home.

I vividly remember getting on the bus to camp for the first time. I had no idea what to expect. I was so nervous, yet excited. I had never even seen the camp before. When the bus pulled into the stop, I was in awe of what I saw. The sun shined bright over the fields of green grass. The counselors waited eagerly for us to get off. I hopped off the bus, butterflies in my stomach. I hardly knew anyone, except for my older cousin. I remember seeing so many people who were to be my bunkmates, yet I didn’t realize that these girls weren’t to become my friends, they were to become my family. My bunkmates have become my best friends in the entire world. The ones I can always count on, the girls who have supported me through everything. Since that moment, camp has become the place where I have grown and thrived.

At Camp Lindenmere, I have formed relationships that I know will last me a lifetime. I have learned new things. I have met new friends. I do not know who I would be without my camp family. I know I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. Camp Lindenmere is so many amazing things, but I can think of two words to describe it; pure paradise.