Fall Break Natural Experience - Kevin Covucci

Over fall break, I decided to take a trip down Interstate 81 out to the place I have spent part of my summers at for the past 11 years of my life. When I was just 7 years old I spent a a whole week in a rickety old cabin in the middle of a mountain right by the Virginia/West Virginia Boarder. Over the years I had many experiences at this summer camp, and met many life long friends. The amazing amount of spirituality I experienced in this particular place for just a few short weeks every summer was more than I could ever image to experience for the other 11 months of the year. There is something about that place that is just connected to God in such a way that the experiences you have and the knowledge you gain is so deep and meaningful in a way that words just cannot describe. As I traveled closer and closer to my destination I began to wonder how much different this trip was going to be. I spent 8 summers as a camper and the last 3 summers as a counselor at this camp, however, my experiences with the location have always been that of kid filled ball fields and action packed days, never of me wondering aimlessly by myself. I was curious if I would still feel the spiritual connect that I have always felt. As I pulled down the long gravel driveway to the small cabin at the far end of camp that called home for a whole month last summer, my emotions quickly began to rush over me. A multitude of memories hit me and all I could do was smile as I slowly stepped out of my car. As I slowly walked through camp my mind juggled 11 summers of memories and when I rang the bell that hung above cabin number 7 I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and a feeling rushed over me that I had not felt since the last day of camp last summer. All my worries and troubles seemed to just vanish, nothing mattered anymore, and all that was important was right in front of me. It felt amazing to have such a clear mind and feel as carefree as I always do every summer. Overall, I do not think any place will every be able to give me the feeling I have every time I visit shrine mont. That place is literally my heaven on earth and I hope to be able to enjoy it for many, many years to come.