Interview with AYC Newbie and Camper Turned Staff

What does AYC mean to you?

Kimberly Adoptie: Family. Not just the whole group—campers and staff—but a few individuals I met here have become family to me. We’ve stayed in touch, traveled together, even lived together. That all started at AYC.

Krystal Koumassi: To me, AYC means a place where you can connect with people who live the same kind of life as you. Especially as a teen, that’s hard to find in the world. But here, it’s everywhere. You can just be yourself.

Was there a moment when it really clicked that you belonged here?

Krystal: Yes—during dinner. People would sit with others they didn’t know yet, and we’d share stories about our first times at camp. It helped us feel included and connected.

What made you nervous about camp, and how did that turn out?

Krystal: I was most nervous about kayaking because I have a fear of deep water. It was my first time kayaking, and I was afraid I’d do it wrong. But once I did it, it felt good—I overcame it.

Kim: Honestly, speaking English! I knew the language, but I had never been in an environment where I had to speak it all the time. That, combined with meeting so many new people, made me nervous at first.

What was one moment you’ll never forget?

Krystal: The high ropes. Last year I was too afraid to try it. But this year, I went for it—and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I felt accomplished afterward. The giant swing was even harder. I went all the way to the top, but I closed my eyes. Afterward, I realized I had been overreacting—it wasn’t so bad.

Kim: The night with the bonfire under the pavilion. It felt like a family cookout—people were doing s’mores, chatting, racing, playing frisbee. Everyone was having a good time. That, and the dance, were highlights for me.

What did you learn about yourself at camp?

Krystal: That some things aren’t as hard as you think. You just need to look past the negatives and focus on the positives. Hiking and high ropes both looked hard, but I pushed through.

Kim, what do you now understand as a staff member that you wish you had known as a camper?

Kim: That the staff care about you. That’s why they give feedback, even when it’s hard to hear. It comes from a place of wanting to help you grow.

Was there a quiet moment that stuck with you?

Kim: Maybe not one moment specifically, but just times when everyone was together, relaxed, enjoying each other’s company. Those moments mean a lot.

What advice would you give to someone attending for the first time?

Krystal: Try going without your phone—some people are kind of addicted. Also, do some exercise and prepare to be uncomfortable. You’ll need to talk to new people, and that can be out of your comfort zone. But be ready to step out.

Kim: We prepare 50 weeks of the year to enjoy these two weeks. And they go by so fast—like a minute. So give it your all. Leave the world behind as much as possible. Try not to bring school or social habits into camp. Enjoy the different environment. Get to know yourself and your expectations. That’s how you grow.