This summer has been a time of new experiences for me, and I have only been here for two weeks. The first week was pre-camp, a time for all the counselors to get to know one another and set up for the activities that they will teach throughout the summer. When I first came to camp I was a little apprehensive to say the least. I wasn’t sure what we would be doing for an entire week without the campers. I figured that we just needed time to get settled in and set up our activities. I had no idea that I would have so much fun and bond so well with the other counselors, considering that I’ve known them for only a short time. Pre-camp challenged me physically and mentally, while at the same time having a ton of fun. That might sound hard to believe, but that is what Leelanau does. It challenges us to push ourselves, to strive to become the perfect model. The Basch run was especially difficult for me. When someone described it to me they said that it was a slight uphill slope the entire way and downhill at the end. This person was correct in saying that it was all uphill until the end; however the “slight” part was a major understatement. I have hiked up grades as steep as some of the hills on Basch. Throughout the run I was constantly encouraged by my fellow counselors, and this encouragement gave me the strength that I needed to keep running up those hills. That selfless love is what makes a Leelanau man. Pre-camp let me see how well these kids will be cared for over their stay. I am very happy and immensely grateful to be a part of this wonderful group of men.