Summer Camp

BY SARAH MEGYESI

For more than 20 years, I have passionately pursued both formal and informal education, indoors and out, as a dedicated teacher, coach and instructor. An avid outdoorswoman and proud mother to a Brownie Girl Scout, I have served the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming for more than 12 years, including five years as Camp Director. My life is a testament to inspiring curiosity and nurturing a love for learning, nature and adventure.

Summer camp is often seen as a place for adventure, friendship and unforgettable memories. It’s where kids learn new skills, conquer challenges and have endless fun. But for some children, camp offers something even more profound—a chance to simply be a kid again, free from the weight of life’s hardships. For Evie, a Girl Scout from Belgrade, summer camp became a sanctuary of joy during one of the most difficult times in her life.

When Evie’s brother was diagnosed with cancer, her world turned upside down. Her family’s days were filled with doctor’s appointments, treatments and the constant worry of hospital bills. The financial and emotional strain left little room for the carefree childhood experiences Evie deserved. But thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedicated staff at the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, Evie was given the gift of summer camp—a chance to escape, breathe and rediscover happiness.

Nestled in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, Timbercrest Camp offered Evie a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, she traded her worries for hiking trails, crafts and campfire songs. For the first time in a long while, she could focus on being a kid, not just a sibling of someone battling illness. The crisp mountain air and the laughter of new friends became her refuge.

But Evie’s camp experience was about more than just fun. It came at a critical moment. Just hours after she arrived at camp, her brother was life-flighted due to complications from his cancer. While her parents faced this crisis, they found solace in knowing Evie was safe, cared for and thriving. Camp became a lifeline for the entire family, offering them a rare moment of peace during an otherwise overwhelming time.

For Evie, camp was a place to laugh freely, make friends and live in the present. For her parents, it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, moments of light and hope are possible. The camp’s impact went beyond Evie—it gave her family the space to focus on her brother’s care while knowing she was in a nurturing environment.

Evie’s story is unique, but its message is universal. Summer camp is more than just a place to learn new skills or explore nature. It’s a space where children can build resilience, find peace and experience independence. These hidden benefits often shape kids in ways they may not fully understand until they’re older.

For many adults, looking back on camp memories reveals how those experiences shaped us. As kids, we were too busy having fun to notice the life lessons unfolding—lessons about navigating social dynamics, solving problems and embracing challenges. Camp teaches kids to step out of their comfort zones, make mistakes and grow in a supportive environment. These are skills that stay with them long after the campfire burns out.

Evie’s family will always be grateful to the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming for giving her the gift of camp. It wasn’t just a week of fun—it was a lifeline of hope and normalcy during a time of crisis. Camp allowed Evie to rediscover joy and resilience, reminding her that even in the face of life’s toughest challenges, moments of happiness are possible.

For children like Evie, summer camp is a powerful reminder of the healing power of nature and community. For the rest of us, it’s a call to action to support initiatives that make these experiences accessible to all kids, regardless of their circumstances. Every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of camp—to laugh, explore and simply be a kid.

Summer camp may last only a week, but its impact can echo for a lifetime. It shapes the next generation of resilient, compassionate and empowered individuals. Let’s ensure that every child has the opportunity to find their sanctuary in the great outdoors, just as Evie did. Because in the end, camp isn’t just about the memories—it’s about the hope, healing and joy it brings to children and families when they need it most.

To learn about summer camp opportunities with Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, visit www.gsmw.org/camp. To support girls like Evie, visit www.gsmw.org/donate and make a gift today.