For one week every July, a patch of forest located just off a main road in Pierce County, between shopping centers and suburbia, becomes a whole world of magic.
I first came to Camp Oh Ah Lay Lay, a small, volunteer-run Girl Scout camp, when I was five years old. Instantly, I was enchanted by the absolute whimsy of the whole operation. Built from an amalgamation of recyclables, pool noodles and duct tape, Oh Ah Lay Lay takes on a different theme every summer. Ranging from Disney movies, to board games, to a road trip around the world, each year sees the rented property become a fairytale run by a committed team of staff.
The camp runs on a strong sense of tradition and dedication to the idea that, even if it is only for one week, kids should be able to come somewhere they can learn, be supported, and express themselves.
Everyone is encouraged to choose a special “camp name” to use during the week of camp. These names are often wacky, a favorite food or a funny saying, something that shows off your personality or sense of humor. There is a focus on the concept that Camp Oh Ah Lay Lay exists outside of the scope of daily life, giving campers an opportunity to explore and grow away from whatever their life is normally like. We call each other by funny names, step out of our comfort zones, and try new things.
As a camper, I got to explore my identity in this magical new setting., and I made friends that I would not have met otherwise. We did crafts, played games, and sang songs. We were taught about the history of Girl Scouts and women who made a difference in the world. We were introduced to activities and skills: archery, cooking, survival skills, gardening, and so much more.
I am certainly a better person for the time I spent as a camper. I looked up to so many of my leaders, all of whom managed to create an environment of fun where we were simultaneously practicing life skills and growing as people. Because of this, it came as no surprise when I decided to make the leap from being a camper to being a program aid. Program aids are trained to support camp staff, all while they learn leadership and planning. It felt like the obvious next step.
Becoming part of camp operations was a whole new world. It felt right to give back to the community that had given so much to me, to help teach kids all the skills I felt grateful to have learned. It was challenging but rewarding. Working behind the scenes gave me perspective into helping kids become the best versions of themselves. I became practiced in problem-solving, holding difficult conversations, and being a good listener as I learned to respect what campers had to say.
This summer marked my first year as a full-fledged leader. It was intimidating to oversee so much activity, and there was pressure to make camp the same magical place it was to me as a child. As I worked to manage our schedule and the needs of so many different kids, it became apparent that that “magical” aspect of camp was comprised of more than fun themes and goofy experiences.
For 51 weeks of the year, we resign ourselves to the daily lives that we live. Camp Oh Ah Lay Lay stands out because of the people who run the camp, the traditions of education and acceptance, and most importantly, because of the kids who, for one week a year, live loud in their own extraordinary world that exists just outside of regular life.
