Dear Andy and Wendy,

It’s crazy to say but, this is the first time I’ve had a moment to actually sit down and thank you for everything this past summer and the past twelve years of my life. Almost three weeks later, with the excitement of starting school again, seeing friends and family and moving into my own apartment, I’m still in depression about leaving camp. It’s all I think about when I have a second to breathe. Overall, I apologize for the lateness of this later.

This summer I was incredibly honored to have been given the chance to lead the White team as their general in color war. Unfortunately, when reading the speeches, we’re only given a short two minutes to talk and tell about our camp experience and all that comes with it. With this letter, I wanted to take the time to express the impact that you have made on me throughout the years. It may not seem like much, but the influence you have on me has fully shaped the person I am today.

Being that freshman girl in 2005, all I’ve dreamed about was being General and truly it was worth the wait. Throughout every summer I’ve grown into a person that I never expected out of myself, I’ve made friendships that I can easily say will last a lifetime, I’ve tried new things and made memories that to this day I not only think about, but I brag about, and ultimately I’ve helped campers have not only the same but hopefully have a better experience that I have, and trust me I believe I’ve had the best.

It goes without saying, having my girls sincerely made me realize the importance camp has on children. They are by far the best girls and made me appreciate Tyler Hill even more than I had already had. My goal, with hopes that nothing can stop me, is to continue with them until they complete their experience.

Thank you for letting me grow as a person here. It’s true when you say it at orientation, everything I learned and continue to learn from Tyler Hill I’ve used in my everyday life. Thank you for challenging me and encouraging me to take on new roles. I LOVED my position as Group Leader and I still obsess over the fact that I was able to lead the White Desert Team.

Everything about Tyler Hill is so beautiful. Twelve years later, I still get the chills rolling up to camp. It’s such an amazing place to grow up and I couldn’t feel luckier to have been given the chance too.

I honestly could go on explaining the impact both of you have made on me and how grateful I am for everything but it would continue into next summer. Thank you for giving me a place I love to call home.

Have an amazing winter and looking forward to talking about summer 2017!

Sara Dauber