“I took a huge step outside of my comfort zone,” said senior Sheina Sakhrani as she described her experience climbing the Alpine Tower at Camp Highland in Cherry Valley last week. “I had to trust myself, something that I have had problems with.”

Sakhrani, along with five other Clark students, had the opportunity to climb the tower, something that pushed most of the campers. Junior Bianca Lopez said that this experience was her most memorable moment. “It was the moment where everyone broke out of their shells and found courage,” she said. “It was really fun!”

The camp was at a convenient location that brought out the “forest feel” but was also very comfortable. “It was very ‘woodsy’ with trees, a campfire, and a flat field,” said senior Tatevik Stepanyan. The campers were able to participate it many bonding activities such as jam sessions, dance parties, and skits.

Stepanyan was one of the counselors this year, which meant more work than just plain camping. “This was my second year at Camp Firework,” she said. “It was more hectic for me, since last time I mostly got to enjoy, but this year I had to make sure things ran smoothly.”

Camp Firework is an annual leadership camp for Rosemont Middle School students run by high school students from both Clark Magnet and Crescenta Valley High Schools. The camp’s purpose is to help develop and improve the leadership skills of each individual by participating in leadership activities.

Despite Stepanyan’s busy agenda, she still was able to enjoy her time as a counselor. “I loved bonding with the campers. I especially loved this moment where a shy camper broke out of his shell during a skit. It was really funny!” Stepanyan said.

Sakhrani said she was pleased with how the experience turned out. “I started the camp freshman year, so it was great to see it grow so much,” Sakhrani said. “I got to meet a lot of new people and learned new social skills.”

The campers had a great time and even plan to have a reunion soon. “I am still going through withdrawals,” Sakhrani said. “We are already planning our camp reunions because we miss each other so much. It was just great to be away from the pressures of school and enjoy the moment. It was bittersweet though, since it was my last camp.”