Wow. August was quite the month. I've laughed, cried, loved, traveled, volunteered and learned a lot in the last 31 days.

After coming back to Vegas on the 4th of August, I spent hours with my co-counselors laughing, painting and glittering in preparation for the week of camp. After a few long days of ideas, crafting and shopping, we finally left to volunteer for Camp Independent Firefly in Big Bear, California. We were paired with the 15/16 year old group of girls. If you have ever hung out with this age group, you know they are witty, sarcastic, hilarious, somewhat inattentive (but who isn't?) impressionable, and just a great time.

Overall, the week of camp is always a blast. It's always emotional, always exhausting and most of all: it's always life changing.

As a counselor, you (willingly) take off a week from your job, family, etc. and leave to volunteer with some of the most amazing souls on this planet.

The kids who attend this camp are considered "less-fortunate" because they have/had cancer, are living with a bleeding disorder, or happen to be a sibling. However, the effect of their "misfortune" with disease or illness is often misinterpreted. These kids are strong, loving, empathetic, funny, kind, brave and most of all, inspirational. They teach you lessons you never realized you needed.

The week of camp is filled with singing, music, games, pranks, water fights, cabin time, highs, lows, obstacles, campfires, and most importantly love and laughter - it's truly magic. At the beginning of the week the campers start off as strangers, but by the end you're wiping away tears in your eyes and they leave with a piece of your heart. Watching them grow, try new things, overcome their fears, laugh, play and just be is both liberating and inspiring.

If you're ever able to set aside 7 days of your year to volunteer as a counselor, I highly recommend doing so.