☀️ The sound of the fire hydrant, the sticky sweetness of a popsicle, and the “seasonal” friends who felt like family for a few short weeks. I used to think I missed out by not going to summer camp, but looking back, the city taught me everything I needed to know about being independent.
Written by Dennis Harvell
The City-Built Spirit: Why I Don’t Regret Missing Summer Camp
Many look forward to the arrival of the summer heat, welcoming that unstoppable current of joy and discovery. Those sun-drenched days stretch out with spontaneous laughter, filling the air with the thrill of unexpected journeys. It is the season to let the spirit roam free, turning every ordinary afternoon into a vivid, lasting memory.
The “Camp” I Never Had
For a long time, I felt a lingering sense of “missing out” because I didn’t go away to summer camp. I worried I had bypassed a vital rite of passage—the chance to build confidence in an unfamiliar environment. However, as I reflect on it now, I realize my independence was forged right here in the city. While others were away and the adults were at work, I found my own way to be self-reliant, even when no one was around to see it.
Finding Relief in the Heat
The city heat was its own kind of challenge; it often forced a choice between staying indoors in a stuffy apartment or venturing out to find relief. I chose to venture out. I never did it alone, though—I always found someone in the same situation.
That was the true beauty of summertime: the ease of finding people with common interests. We formed “seasonal” friendships with kids visiting relatives from different states—bonds that were intense and joyful for a few weeks, only to fade when the fall routine returned.
My Own Unique Path
I now see that comparing my childhood to others’ was unnecessary. Everyone has a unique path. By focusing on what I did have—the resourcefulness to beat the heat, the pride of managing my own life, and the ability to connect with strangers—I created a summer that was entirely my own.
Those weeks in the city weren’t a gap; they were the foundation of the independent adult I am today.