Finding Her Voice
As a shy child, one of the things Grace Marks loved the most about Camp Hardtner was how confident the counselors were. She looked up to them in hopes of growing her own confidence. And one year she gathered the courage to sign up for Coffee House (the talent show).
After signing up, the counselors empowered her to believe in herself and be confident in her singing ability. If not for their encouragement she wouldn’t have gone through with it. Once she broke the ice and completed her performance, she remembers, “that moment after I performed solidified and confirmed that I belonged there, and that I was loved and worthy.” The love that Grace experienced at camp empowered her to overcome a fear of hers and find confidence in herself.
Since then, Grace has worked to empower and help others that may be going through the same things that she did. She recalls, “I was very anxious, self-deprecating, and very unsure of myself until I was built up by this community to be the opposite of those things.”
Grace went on to serve on staff as a counselor for two summers and then as the Head Counselor in 2021, teaching campers and other staff members that Camp Hardtner is a place that loves and supports them.
She continues to empower others to perform their talents, as she is now finishing up graduate school in Kansas City, Missouri getting a masters degree in Conservatory MFA in Costume Design.
What is “Voices of Camp?”
Camp Hardtner means so much to so many people, but one thing we all share is an understanding of its lasting impact. Each month we’ll bring you a story from campers, staff, alumni, and others—real experiences that capture the spirit of this special place.
Our hope is to send the Camp Hardtner spirit out into the world, bring joy to your day, and strengthen the community that makes this place so meaningful.
Would you like to be interviewed? Contact:
Stephanie Kay at voices@camphardtner.org
