As a young camper, I remember chanting, “I am smart, I am strong, I am special” every day at camp with dozens of other girls and then going home and restating it in the mirror at night.
Rebecca Schubert (R) with mom Sara. Photo Credit: St. Luke’s School
Each morning, I couldn’t wait to go back to camp to see all my friends and the counselors I looked up to, to feel a sense of belonging in the sisterhood of LiveGirl. Now, this summer as a counselor, I was able to give back and help inspire the younger girls and help them feel a part of this phenomenal organization.
LiveGirl, a Connecticut-based non-profit organization founded right here in New Canaan in 2014, is different from any other community I’ve been a part of. Not only do the leaders empower the youth, but they also build relationships that cannot be broken. Camp LiveGirl is an escape from screen time and self-consciousness. LiveGirl’s camp staff has fueled my confidence: shaping the inclusive leader I am today.
One aspect I would love to highlight is the mental wellness room, led by Farrell Lindemann, LMSW. Fluffy heart pillows, calming weighted blankets, comfy beanbags, and more were available to all campers, CITs, and counselors as an escape from the busy camp schedule. With an open door, Farrell was happy to have a chat or just sit in silence. Over the three weeks at LiveGirl, everyone used this space to help calm down during stressful moments or just to chill. We learned tools we can use throughout our lives to help us regulate our emotions. In today’s noisy world — with social media and marked by a mental health crisis in teen girls – having a full-time social worker available to work with campers and counselors is a unique gift.
Camp LiveGirl. Photo Credit: St. Luke’s School
Speaking of exciting moments, throughout camp, there were many thrilling experiences planned for the campers, including the Brave Leaders Academy, the STEM designLab, bracelet making, a carnival, games, and bonding time. The guest speakers included authors, comedians, fitness instructors, CEOs, and more, and their entertaining yet impactful speeches resonated with me and the campers who came from all over Fairfield County. All of these speakers come from different backgrounds to Camp LiveGirl to share their stories, struggles, and strengths.
Camp LiveGirl is held at St. Luke’s School each year, and as a NewCanaanite, I want to remark on this special partnership. St. Luke’s is an innovative environment, and in the heat of summer, opens its doors so that Camp LiveGirl has the options to be inside enjoying the designLab, comfy couches, and beautiful rooms (with air conditioning!) or outside on the perfect turf fields and homey campus.
One thing that is inspiring to anyone who sees how a day at LiveGirl goes is the positive community. We always have a blast together because at Camp LiveGirl, we believe in building each other up, not bringing others down. So, whether you’re having a great day or a tough day, I encourage you to remind yourself (right now) that you are smart, you are strong, and you are special! Let’s all incorporate this uplifting spirit in our every day lives.