Angie Gonzalez

Camp Bob has been in my life for a very long time now. When I was in elementary school, I was given the opportunity to attend Camp Bob as a camper for a week. It was my first time away from home, which was really scary at first.

Prior to camp, I was really shy and quiet, which made it hard for me to make friends at school. So this experience was something totally new for me. To say the least, it was the best experience I had at such a young age. I got to try new things like rock climbing, canoeing, and even journaling. There was something that fit everyone’s comfort zone, but also new challenges that helped us branch out of that comfort.

Not only did I get to do cool things, but I made new friends. Friends that I looked forward to seeing the following camp year. After my second time at camp, I was a more outgoing girl. I had the advantage of knowing what camp would run like, which allowed me to reach out to other quiet girls.

Because of my experience at Camp Bob, I wanted to try new things in the outside world. I took on new challenges at school because I was exposed to being in new environments with unfamiliar people. I learned that I could build my own community of people that not only cared for me, but were willing to face new things alongside me. These were skills I learned and applied to the real world. The memories I made have not been forgotten and are deeply rooted in the person I am today.

I have the privilege of returning to camp each year as a counselor. I’m able to build meaningful connections with not just my co-counselors, but also the campers. I understand the struggle of being away from home for the first time or not knowing anyone at camp because I’ve lived it once before. It helps me strive to show up for these kids as long as I possibly can and help them build up their current skills and even learn new ones.

Camp Bob isn’t just a place that is out in the mountains with cabins and fire pits. Camp Bob is a home to anyone looking for a purpose, who is filled with curiosity, and in need of a push out of their comfort zone. It’s a place full of possibility and a keeper of lasting memories. It’s my home.

-Angie Gonzalez-Lopez, 2026