I will never forget that moment: the first buses, the tired but shining eyes of the children — and the gentle excitement inside me. It was my debut as a volunteer counselor at a camp for kids from European countries who had recently moved to the U.S. We were all new — both the kids and us, the counselors.
But within just a few hours, it became clear: no one here felt like a stranger. The camp instantly became a place where everyone could be themselves. Everything around — the language, the tone, the habits, even the games and favorite songs — felt so familiar. Many children said with relief, “It feels like home here”.
I didn’t end up there by accident. Now I realize — it was something magical. I live in Miami — a city where dreams really do seem to come true. One evening, during a casual conversation with a friend, I said how much I wanted to become a counselor one day. I wanted to be for the kids what my counselors once were for me: a friend, a support, someone they could trust, someone to laugh with until they cried — and to cry with on the last night of camp, not wanting to leave.
I dreamed of giving them the same warm memories I had once received. And the very next morning — a phone call. I was offered a volunteer counselor position at “Miami Family Club”. After just a five-minute talk with the camp director, I knew — this was my chance. The next day, I was on my way to camp. To my dream.
Every day at camp felt like a new adventure. Mornings started with music-filled workouts, and the rest of the day was packed with games, creative workshops, quests, and dances. One day, we organized a colorful Holi powder party on the beach. The kids threw colored powder, screamed with joy, got covered head to toe — and were completely free and happy. We laughed, hugged, and took photos. No one cared about their phones or what others thought. It was pure, real happiness.
Evenings were always extra warm and heartfelt. Sometimes we had discos with songs that everyone knew — from kids to counselors. We danced together, sang at the top of our lungs, not acting like “grown-ups”, but just being with them, on the same level. But the most unforgettable times were our campfire nights.
At the opening of the session, we sat around the fire, sang songs with a guitar, shared marshmallows, and got to know each other. The kids were just starting to make friends, and the counselors were getting to know one another, sharing hopes, dreaming, and getting inspired. The air was filled with new beginnings, ideas, and incredible energy — everything was just starting.
But the closing of the session… That was the most emotional evening of my life. We gathered around the fire again — this time as one big family. The kids hugged each other, cried, and shared warm words. Each of them took the mic and thanked their friends, counselors, and the organizers.
The girls came to hug us personally and say, “Thank you”. Even the boys were holding back tears. And no matter how strong we counselors were, we stood together, hugging, crying too. No one wanted to leave or go back to routine. We didn’t want to say goodbye to these honest, open, deeply grateful kids.
Sometimes in the evening, we’d walk to the beach — tucked away in a forested area by a lake. It was quiet and dark, with real stars overhead — not like in Miami, where the city lights hide everything. We’d lie on our backs, stare at the sky, and make wishes on shooting stars. In those moments, we felt like children again. Happy, authentic, surrounded by people who had become family in just a few days.
When I first arrived at camp, I was nervous. I worried: what if I don’t fit in with the team? Seventy kids — could I handle it? Would anyone help me? What if I became a burden? But all those fears turned out to be pointless. The team welcomed me with warmth and support, shared their experience, hugged me when I was anxious, and laughed beside me when things got fun.
By the end of the session, during the final campfire, the head counselor gave a speech — and named me “the debut of the year”. I couldn’t believe it. My heart was glowing. But what happened next topped even that. At the end of each session, there’s a special tradition — the flag-lowering ceremony. Usually, the counselors are called up to choose kids to help lower the flag together. This time, they called me.
I stood there in disbelief — they had chosen me to close the session. And then, they said: “We can’t wait to see you at the fall camp”. That was the moment I knew — I was exactly where I was meant to be.
I also want to say something about children’s friendships. It’s amazing how quickly and deeply they connect. They aren’t afraid to be emotional, to hug someone just because they sense the other needs it. They say thank you even when all you did was be there. Their smiles, little notes, farewell tears, and sincere “thank yous” — that’s what stays in your heart forever. Being around kids like that makes you want to be better. To give more.
And now I know this for sure: dreams do come true. Especially when they come from the heart. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one phone call, one leap of faith. And then, like in my story, you’ll find yourself exactly where you always dreamed of being — maybe even the very next day.
Arianna Kuchyna
Miami, Florida
