Slurpees, Paddle Boats and Unexpected Lessons

I had such a fun week as a counselor at Camp Kesher, hosted at the Pozez Jewish Community Center. Over the past few days, I rode the carousel at Glen Echo Park, got a free Slurpee on 7/11 Day, visited a farm where I met beautiful horses and adorable miniature goats—but the highlight of the week was going paddle boating on the Tidal Basin.

When the bus full of campers pulled up to the Tidal Basin, it started raining—because of course it did! At this point, when isn't it raining? Haha. I went out on a paddle boat with the three female campers in my group. As soon as we sat down on the soaked seats, we were all instantly uncomfortable—but not one of us complained. The rain kept falling, but instead of grumbling, we laughed. Along the way, we passed the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and plenty of friendly, quacking ducks.

It might sound cliché to say “you have to make the most of things,” but sometimes, you really don’t have a choice. Not everything goes your way. I’ve been feeling a little sad about stepping away from my role as Program Director at the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV). But just like hopping onto a paddle boat in the rain, I’m learning that you can find joy wherever life takes you.

I’m looking forward to another fun-filled week at Camp Kesher!