AT HOME AT CAMP

BY ARIANA DALE

I WAS LYING IN BED, HOURS AFTER "FLASHLIGHTS OUT." My family, my dog, Carmel, and my best friend all flashed through my mind. I was also thinking about my older brother, who had just started football camp back at home, and I worried about his safety. My face felt hot and wet as I quietly cried into my pillow. But why was I sad? Wasn't I supposed to be happy at summer camp?

This wasn't my first time away from home, and I'd felt homesick before. But for some reason, this year the homesickness hit me as soon as I'd stepped off the plane. It was too late to turn back. I'd already committed to four weeks of camp.

I thought the fun of being at camp again might make it all better. I'd been looking forward to swimming, campouts, meeting new friends, and growing spirituality. Instead, two days had already passed and I was still missing home. And I had no idea how to deal with it.