I have been a part of this organization since my freshmen year of high school. 11 years ago! I'm old. In high school my involvement was more consuming, but as time goes on only about 2 weeks of the year are devoted to MASC (Massachusetts Association of Student Councils). The impact the organization has on me never changes. I continue every summer to pack my bags and head to Stonehill College to reunite with old friends and to continue the development of high school student leaders. For the past 11 years I fail at explaining what the camp is and how it changes lives. You have to be there to fully understand its purpose but I will take another shot at making sense of MASC.
It is a palce that takes young people and opens thier eyes to a new world. It teaches you a bunch of skills that some would deem intangible. It shows you strengths and areas for improvement. You network, make life long friendships, and discover all the potential that is inside. But the most important thing that this place does, is build confidence. High school can be a scary place, especially for freshmen...it can be hard to come out of that shell and it is easy to be put down and just decide "hey, maybe i won't do that...it's too risky." Camp throws all of those things aside and says it's ok to do what you want, what's best for you, what makes you happy. You see the importance in helping others and brining what you learned back to your schools. You laugh, you reflect, you learn, and you fall in love during your week at this place.
I was fortunate to become involved my freshmen year. Fortunate enough to have someone who tapped me on the shoulder and say, you know what you might be good at this, you should check it out. Everything happens for a reason and that teacher changed the course of my life. I went from a quiet jock, who was a below average student, and did his own thing...to someone who constantly tried to improve himself and the poeple around him. I know I'm not doing Camp justice, it sounds cultish and a bit like a disney movie. I hope every student gets an opportunity to experience this feeling, it doesn't have to be this particular camp. I know there are many other places that teach the same principles and have the same core values...but every person should get a chance at this experience.
For me personally, even though I am no longer a camper but a counselor...it is still a rewarding experience. I need this week every year as much as the students. It is my time rejuvenate and get my mind right. I always find peace and clarity while there, I get to escape the mundane work routine and be reminded of why I do what I do. It's a chance to light that fire once again. It is an opportunity for me to reconnect with the people who have helped change my life but who also have become some of my closest friends.
I know I will never fully be able to explain what this place does. But if you live in MA, you happen to have high school aged kids...make sure they attend this one week camp, it will only be a positive influcnce on their lives, that I can guarantee.
