How do I describe Camp Experience? It is pretty difficult to describe. But I can say it was different than any camp I had experienced before. “Camp is whatever you need it to be.” These were some of the first words the founder of Camp Experience said to us at the opening meal. We were instructed to take a moment to think about one word for our weekend. To set an intention for what we needed to get from camp. When you set an intention- and you are among a group of women/people who are also setting an intention- this becomes a magical space. And yes I really do believe that this means ‘camp will be whatever you need it to be’. It’s as if every cell in each woman’s body was more awake to how we can support each other and focus on our own intentions.
Camp Experience is a Networking group for women. The camp weekend itself is spent fundraising, participating in outdoor wellness adventures, and listening to speakers talk on health, wellness, bravery, and business. This network is about much more than networking. I was listening to Almost30 Podcast the other week and heard the speaker say “Don’t go networking, build your network.” This phrase was so calming for me because the word “networking” usually makes me want to stay home and read a book. This opened my eyes to a new way of looking at “networking”. One is about connecting with people in order to possibly gain something from them down the line. The other is about building a community that can mutually support and help each other. The Camp Experience Network is a woman’s networking group. They don’t show up to see what they can “get” from each other. They show up to be a part of this network. And the network is amazing! Whatever you may need, someone in the group can do it- or knows the best person for the job. They are all here to help each other.
It was so inspiring to be surrounded by women in the generations above me. There were many inspiring speakers. Women who had done incredible things in their careers. Women who had tools to share and advice on going after your career and your life. But the moments that were the most impactful were when these women and the women sitting next to me shared the moments when they were afraid. When they felt lost. When they had no idea what to do next. The honesty, openness, and vulnerability I felt from these women was when I felt real empowerment entering my body.
Going back to Colorado reminded me of the lack of diversity there is in many parts of the state. This is not a comment on the camp or on my upbringing at all. It just opened my eyes more and reminded me of how “white” my childhood was- and how people growing up in most parts of Colorado don’t get a lot of diversity. It’s not that these towns are bad or that these people are bad. Not at all. This just reminds me of a privilege that we can’t even be aware of – because that’s a part of having privilege- you truly don’t know what you don’t know. Just food for thought. I think the first step is just recognizing- if you look around and everyone you see around you is white- there are things you don’t know. For some reason it was so much more obvious to me this trip home after living in New York. The thing I love about this group of women is- they seek to do good in the places that need it.
My mom has gone
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