How does one know when they've found their paradise? Is it when they have the necessities of life? Is it with a Piña Colada in both hands and and Jimmy Buffet lyrics meandering through palm trees? Everyone is in search for the answer, and when it is solved, they never let go. This similar cycle happened to me in the summer of 2007 at an unexpected place; a shabby, moldy complex nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains, Surprisingly, this is my paradise, my haven. And just like everyone else, I am never letting go.

Paradise is based on one's values. For some, they dream of an ocean of money to dive into. Others crave a quiet fortress to protect them against the mayhem of life. As stereotypical as it is, summer camp is what changed my world. An odd mess of creeks and a small shower to grime ratio turns out to be the unsurpassed times of my life. Of course, many things shocked me about my home away from home.

I started this history at the age of six, with gangly limbs and stringy brown hair. Driving across that old bridge and on to the dirt road is a sensation that can never be replaced. My heart was pounding, my hands were clammy and the sight of anything that was not my parents made me nauseous. Pulling up to the lodge I saw twenty year olds, which are the most thrilling and terrifying creatures a six year old could witness. My door was slightly ajar when an onslaught of excited counselors flooded around my car to help out. It amazed me at the time, and still does, that these exceptional people wanted to spend an ounce of time around someone that should have spent more time in the shower. To this day, the older people at camp inspire me to inspire the younger ones myself. A place that bring one's best qualities is not to be disregarded.

My favorite times at camp came later, when I was able to keep eye contact and look up from my book other than when I ate a snack. It was quite the accomplishment the day I made a friend, and it made all the difference. I soon discovered the joys of water fights, the excitement of squealing over a note from a boy, and the sadness of crying profusely on the last night of camp. As time went on, I acquired more friends that would shape me and my lifestyle to what it is today. When they pressured me to jump into the freezing lake or ride a horse for the first time- that would all transfer over into my later life. Without summer friends, I would never have conquered half of the enterprises of adolescence.

This up coming summer will be the last at my oasis. Of course I will miss my summer camp, and be devastated without my friends, but I rest assured. Camp has pushed me thought out my life to overcome the barriers that the world whips out. Without this blessing I honestly don't think I could have done it. I know that next summer will be uncomfortable, but I do find comfort knowing that I wrung all that I could from my home away from home.