One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was VCON, one of the events that many students had been looking forward to all week. From the moment it began, the room was filled with excitement as students dressed up, participated in Summerween-themed optionals, and fully embraced the experience. What stood out most was how willing everyone was to get involved. The Nerd Trialathon was booming with excitement as the kids got to share their competitive side. While others preferred to cheer from the sidelines, everyone played a part in making the event memorable. It was especially rewarding to watch students encourage one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and laugh together throughout the night. Those moments of support and enthusiasm are what make the VAMPY community so unique.
The celebration continued with us celebrating the Fourth of July together. The block party gave students a chance to step away from their classes for an evening and simply enjoy being together. The colonnades were filled with activities such as a slip and slide, water slide and other fun filled activities. It was exciting to see them bouncing from activity to activity, whether they were playing lawn games or just relaxing and talking with one another. There was such a positive energy throughout the evening, and it was clear that everyone was making the most of the opportunity to celebrate together.
While VAMPY is known for providing an incredible academic experience, events like the Fourth of July block party and VCON remind me that some of the most meaningful moments happen outside the classroom. These celebrations give students the chance to build friendships, create lasting memories, and feel like they truly belong. As a counselor, watching students become more connected has been one of the most rewarding parts of the summer. These shared experiences are the moments they will remember long after camp ends, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a small part of them.
