I was sitting cross-legged on the grass with other teens eagerly talking about their life goals, which was not where I expected to be. In fact, I can say the same about my recent choices in life: I’m not sure where I expected to be.
I tagged along our church’s youth camp in Tanay because I needed a break from all the work I had to do. I was really burned out, so if it took a weekend of being with people a decade younger than me, icebreakers, and motivating talks to get me back on track, then so be it.
Burnout is sneaky. One day, you’re juggling responsibilities like a pro, and the next, you’re staring at your screen, feeling like you’ve forgotten how to function.
Tanay’s gentle hills and clean mountain air make it a great place to get away from the chaos of the city. There’s something about being in nature that forces you to slow down. No deadlines. No emails. Just conversations, shared meals, and moments of quiet introspection.
The camp was full of activities, like Bible devotions, team-building games, and quiet times to think. At first, I felt like an outsider. But as time went on, I slowly let go. There’s something about being outside, away from phones and schedules, that makes you remember to breathe.
This trip gave me a chance to relax, get away from my stress, and remember that life is more than work. As the camp drew to a close, I felt like I had started over. Sometimes, it’s the simplest getaways, the ones that push you out of your comfort zone, that help you reset the most.
The Tourist Gaze 