When I signed up for Camp BBYO for the summer of 2022, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. No one from my region was going on summer programs, and I didn't know anyone who had been on a summer program. If someone told me that 2 weeks in the Poconos would change my life forever, I would tell them that they were lying. Even though I was super nervous, I went into it with an open mind. After a few days, I found my best friends. We spent the next two weeks waking up every second together, just having the time of our lives. 

When the two weeks came to an end, we were absolutely devastated. We had no idea how we were going to go back to our normal lives, spread out across the U.S., not knowing the next time we would see each other. Once I was home, I began to realize how much of an impact those twelve days had on my life. I missed the weird camp food, the laughter we shared, and, most importantly, the company. 

After missing each other’s company, we all decided to sign up for CLTC 4, which would be held at the same location as Camp BBYO. We spent many hours on FaceTime, reminiscing on the times we spent together and thinking about the times we would spend together next summer. It was constantly on my mind. I could not wait for the moment we were reunited. 

Finally, July came, and we all left our respective towns and cities to meet up in Poyntelle, Pennsylvania. Finally, after traveling for hours, we were reunited. We had so much fun together, created so many inside jokes (Pietro Maximof), and simply had the times of our lives. We experienced new things we had before, such as going canoeing into the middle of the lake, screaming at Kalahari Water Parks, and many more. The people I met on BBYO summer programs are my best friends. They are the ones I turn to for advice and when I need to get something off my chest. They are my best friends. So, if you are on the fence about summer programs, do it. You may meet the most special people you never previously would have, you may make the most incredible memories, and you may just have the time of your life.