Every year, at exactly the same time, my parents and I go up to my grandparent’s cottage before they drop me off at camp for two weeks. This year, I was able to go to camp again after the restrictions of COVID.

It was the second last full day of camp and we had an all-camp general swim. This was when the whole camp, even the counselors and kitchen staff, would go to the small beach and swim there for an hour. We had just had showers so I didn’t really want to swim and I sat on my towel in my shorts reading a book.

About fifteen minutes went by, and I looked up for the first time. In the shallow end, I could see a group of girls from my cabin whispering and looking at me. They got out of the water and started walking towards me. I didn’t think anything of it and just smiled and waved.

Then one of them grabbed my foot and I knew what was about to happen. I lunged to grab for someone to help me just as another girl grabbed my other leg, then my arm, and then my other arm. They lifted me off of my towel, giggling as they dragged me closer to the water. Everyone was staring now and laughing, and I was begging them not to dunk me. They ignored me, running into the lake until they got deep enough. That’s where they dropped me. I was fully clothed and so annoyed!

But, after a while I just gave up and swam with them. Now I have to say I am so glad that they dragged me in with them. That is a moment which I will never forget. Water has always been a big part of my life, and I have always loved swimming and water sports. I will remember that summer and that lake for the rest of my life.