Answers contributed by Mark Edelstein, 2018 Counselor
Above the programming and friendships, our staff make the biggest impact on our campers each summer. We asked one 2018 counselor about the impact CAA had on him and decisions he’s making about the future.
What is your favorite thing about CAA?
CAA created a community for everyone to be a part of. When I say that, I mean that any person no matter what their background may be is able to attend this camp and love every second of it. The community at CAA is supportive and welcoming to anyone who has the pleasure to set foot in it.
What is one thing you learned from your campers and experience at CAA?
As a camp counselor, I have the honor of learning from the incredibly smart and talented campers I had the pleasure of taking care of last summer. Of the many things I learned from them, the most important thing I learned is to embrace who you are not only in your everyday life, but in your art as well. Art allows you to explore how you see yourself and who you want to become one day. My campers taught me to be myself, through my art and my personality. It was something I had never quite experienced before in a camp atmosphere.
How have The Arts played a role in decisions you’ve made regarding college and future professions?
I’m a firm believer in the idea that if you’re not doing what you love than you are less likely to be happy in your life. By pursuing arts in college and for the rest of my life, I get to wake up every day doing what I love to do. The arts have provided me the opportunity to grow as a musician and as a person. I’m so eager to begin my professional career and I can’t wait to see what my future has in store for me
We know that you’re going to Australia this summer! What’s something you learned at CAA that will help you with that experience?
Take advantage of every opportunity you possibly can while striving to have a positive attitude throughout the experience. CAA taught me that when you strive to smile as much as you can, you are more likely to enjoy your time and enjoy what you love to do.