username; SilhouetteStation
name; Deija Halliro
gender; she/they
prompt;
For a lot of people, springtime is made up of relaxing in the warm weather and partaking in the annual Easter Egg Hunt. And, of course, eating a ton of chocolate.
For Deija, things are a little different.
The warm weather is useful rather than pleasant.
The Egg Hunt consists of rubber balls.
And chocolate is certainly not allowed to be eaten by some of the residents at Camp Pawsome.
During Spring, Deija is a cabin leader at a dog camp.
For three years now she's taken the drive down the gravel road winding it's way through the forest. Lush green trees form a canopy overhead, sunlight filtering through to dapple the ground. Turning off on the side road, passing the big wooden sign with the camps name and paw print logo. The trees breaking up to reveal a large clearing; the mess hall, the two cabin blocks, the dog kennels on the edge of the field. It always gives her that familiar tingle of excitement.
She loves getting out of the truck and stepping onto the hard dirt path, stretching in the early morning sun. Being a cabin leader means she gets there when the other staff do, but all arrive before the campers themselves.
Just setting the place up is fun enough; tidying the kennels, organizing the toys and agility equipment, restocking the kitchen, making sure the cabins are ready for use.
Then as it turns to afternoon, the real fun begins.
While most youth camps are held in summer, Camp Pawsome takes place in spring to make sure neither dog nor person will end up overheating. But really, no matter what season this event took place in, everyone would still be looking forward to it.
Deija loves her time here for many reasons. She thinks of this camp as her home away from home, and she can't help feel anything but relaxed and happy here. When the campers arrive she finds so much joy in greeting the familiar faces and welcoming the new. After the two weeks they spend together each year, everyone here all ends up feeling like one big mixed family. And, being a foster child once, she knows how important that feeling is.
But above all, the thing she loves most is how things change in spring. Not only in nature, when flower buds bloom and nature starts growing full and lush again, but the change in campers, too.
The whole idea of the camp was centered around letting children and young adults gain confidence in themselves while working alongside their best friend, their dog. It allows the pair to grow a strong bond, while also growing themselves. Campers will partake in obedience training, agility courses, and of course many fun games. But they'll also make friends, amazing memories, and develop a sense of belief in themselves.
Being able to help people become better versions of themselves is something that Deija values greatly, and always makes her look forward to this season of change.
(500/500)
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