A hero journey is the growth of someone into a better person, by expanding their comfort zone. This journey has three parts to it. First, the hero is torn away from what he/she knows and put into new territory. Next, the hero faces a number of challenges to complete in order to prove her/himself. Finally, the hero discovers they have entered a new comfort zone, where they are safe. The hero learns some type of moral to use in the future as a result of their journey. The hero also understands the evolution of their emotional journey.
During the summer, I attended WeHaKee for Girls for the very first time. I signed up for a three week session in August. My cousin had tested it out the year before and loved it, she insisted I go with her next time. I had never been away from my family for more than about two nights, until camp. As you can imagine, the whole week leading up to my departure was spent worrying and my nights were sleepless. The night before drop-off was especially rough, I cried myself to sleep, praying I would make at least one friend, besides my cousin. To my delight, the next day had a much different mood. Counselors and campers alike welcomed me with open arms- literally, they really like giving hugs. I knew I was going to have the most fun three weeks of my life.
Over the first days all the girls were talking about the play. Play?!, I thought. I was not prepared to be performing anything. Baffled and confused, my tent mates filled me in. All three age divisions at camp were to put on a play or musical throughout the session. The cutsie Junior Production is usually early in the second week. Mid-Birthday is at the halfway mark and Senior Banquet is the biggest night of camp, before campfire on the last night. My nerves were starting to return. Being a senior we are expected to learn a musical in only five days and it is considered the “biggest night of camp.” First year seniors are campers entering their freshman year and Second year seniors...