Sometimes the most transformative experiences come from saying "yes" to opportunities.
Opportunities that appear in the most unexpected places, like an Instagram ad that popped up during my holiday in India.
It was summer 2021, and I had just wrapped up my first semester of my master's program. While spending precious time with family back home, I was scrolling through Instagram when an ad caught my eye- an adult summer camp in upstate New York. "A reflective long weekend where you would discuss new ideas and meet amazing people." The promise of startups and new connections was irresistible to someone like me who had always been fascinated by entrepreneurship.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Right after my vacation and before the next semester began. Without hesitation, I signed up.
Arriving at Camp Scatico felt like stepping into a parallel universe where adulthood temporarily suspended. Bunk beds. Shared bathrooms. No heating. Open grounds. Common dining halls. In that instant, I got to be a kid again, but also, deeply myself. The kind of self you become when the WiFi is weak, the conversations are real, and the noise of everyday life fades out.
Over the next four days, we participated in workshops led by various facilitators that pushed us to dig deep. We had profound conversations about understanding ourselves, what defines us, and what we truly want to build and become. We confronted past traumas and identified obstacles holding us back. These weren't just surface-level networking conversations, they were raw, honest dialogues that created genuine connections. A safe place where everyone could be vulnerable.
The entrepreneurial aspects were equally valuable. We discussed startup ideas, concepts we wanted to develop and projects already underway. What struck me most was discovering how our diverse skills complemented each other, creating a natural ecosystem of support and collaboration.
But what I'll remember most vividly are the moments of pure joy. The games, music, dancing, shared meals, and bonfires under starry skies created a special kind of magic.
One of my proudest accomplishments? Getting a group of white Americans to dance enthusiastically to Punjabi songs like "Mundian Tu Bach Ke Rahi"!
Their attempts at matching the bhangra moves had us all laughing until our sides hurt.
I left that weekend with more than just memories. I gained clarity about my path forward, but also friendships that have proven remarkably durable. These aren't just "camp friends", they're people who visit me in Boston now, whose homes I visit in return, and whose perspectives I value when bouncing around new ideas.
Who knew that adult summer camps could be so transformative? Looking back, I realize that my willingness to say "yes" to new experiences has consistently led me to the most meaningful moments of growth in my life.
