Reflection | SI Summer Camp 2017

Josh Gershon
Aug 28, 2017 · 3 min read

Two days ago — a group of mostly strangers came together at a summer camp, and took a giant leap of faith on one another.

What happened was rare, refreshing and powerful. Everyone got real with each other. In the most honest and raw form, each person expressed WHY they had decided to join us. Why, when there was anywhere else in the world they could have been, did they decide to meet up at a camp in Upstate NY, with people whom they had never met before. They told us what they were looking for — personally, professionally, creatively and spiritually — and what they were hoping to discover about themselves over the next few days.

They spoke about their fears, doubts, challenges and obstacles. Discussions formed about how to turn these fears into excitement, and the challenges into gifts. As we sat around the campfire, so many different experiences and unique perspectives were shared — it was as though everyone was teaching and learning at the same time.

We discussed what it means to live and lead wholeheartedly. How to overcome struggles and be resilient. Group members reminded each other to reflect and appreciate all that they had overcome in their own lives — as we have all faced adversity in many different ways.

Members of the group shared their experiences and wisdom on a myriad of topics, relating to personal and professional success. We heard incredible stories of the professional video-gamer turned financial planner, the world class Irish dancer, the startup founder by day and DJ, chef, guitarist, photographer, writer, and soap-maker by night (I’m convinced he’s also Batman), and so much more from each individual — all with their own special superpowers and unique characteristics.

But it wasn’t the job or accolades that mattered. Each member of the group, whether building a business or looking for their next job, connected deeply and exchanged so much value, love and wisdom, simply by being themselves and letting their light shine. There was no hierarchy, no level of qualification needed to speak one’s mind or contribute to the conversation. No judgement whatsoever. It was everyone’s empathy, understanding, good nature, good vibes and desire to do great things in this world, that forged such a strong bond. Between strangers. Strangers that now call themselves friends and have shown more support to one another in 48 hours, than some find in an entire lifetime.

I am blown away by the magic of this past weekend. I’m eternally grateful to have a group of wonderful new people in our community and in my life — who will inspire me every single day.

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Josh Gershon

Written by

Chief Storyteller, Startup Island

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